1973 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier

To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 528 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier.

Because 1973 Chevrolet Impala 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 1973 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1973 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1973 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1973 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1973 Chevrolet Impala 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier
Make Chevrolet Chevrolet
Model Impala Cavalier
Year Released 1973 1998
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4097 cc 2190 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 110 HP 120 HP
Engine RPM 3800 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 251 Nm 176 Nm
Torque RPM 1600 RPM 3600 RPM
Engine Bore Size 98.3 mm 89 mm
Engine Stroke Size 89.6 mm 88 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 8.5:1 9.0:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 1715 kg 1187 kg
Vehicle Length 5600 mm 4600 mm
Vehicle Width 2030 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1350 mm
Wheelbase Size 3100 mm 2810 mm