1970 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
To start off, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 5,011 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 572 kg more than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. 1970 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Vega | 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Vega | Chevelle |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 5011 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 72 L |
