1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP) has 28 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 27 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 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 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vega | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 69 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
