1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1966 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1971 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Zephyr (113 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 295 kg more than 1971 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, 1966 Ford Zephyr (198 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1966 Ford Zephyr has manual transmission. 1966 Ford Zephyr will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1966 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 60.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 68 L |
