1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 38 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 280 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, 2009 Kia Sportage, 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Kia |
| Model | Vega | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 58 L |
