1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2002 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2002 Toyota MR2 is newer by 31 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, 2002 Toyota MR2 (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 605 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, 2002 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm). This means 2002 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota MR2 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 | 2002 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Vega | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 72 L |
