1972 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 30 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 395 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Vega | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Vega | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 51 L |
