1969 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1997 Plymouth Neon is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 104 kg more than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Chevrolet Vega is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Plymouth Neon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. (164 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Chevrolet Vega. 1969 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1997 Plymouth Neon has manual transmission. 1997 Plymouth Neon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1969 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Vega | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Plymouth |
| Model | Vega | Neon |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 79 L |
