1972 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2012 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 BMW 316 is newer by 40 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, 2012 BMW 316 (116 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 316 weights approximately 490 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, 2012 BMW 316 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Vega. 1972 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 316 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 | 2012 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Vega | 316 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 57 L |
