1972 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1972 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 310 kg more than 1972 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. 1972 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1962 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Vega | 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Vega | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2600 mm |
