1972 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 2004 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2004 Toyota Solara is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,011 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 182 kg more than 2004 Toyota Solara.
Because 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle 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 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Solara, 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, 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | 2004 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Chevelle | Solara |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5011 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2680 mm |
