1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1997 Lancia Zeta
To start off, 1997 Lancia Zeta is newer by 26 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, 1997 Lancia Zeta (145 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 645 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.
Because 1971 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 1971 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Lancia Zeta, 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 Lancia Zeta (235 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1997 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1997 Lancia Zeta has manual transmission. 1997 Lancia Zeta 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 | 1997 Lancia Zeta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Vega | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2830 mm |
