1972 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Elise (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 297 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise.
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, 1972 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise. 1972 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise 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 | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Vega | Elise |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
