1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2012 Ford Fusion
To start off, 2012 Ford Fusion is newer by 41 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Fusion (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fusion weights approximately 624 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, 2012 Ford Fusion, 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, 2012 Ford Fusion (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 2012 Ford Fusion | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Fusion |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1629 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 66 L |
