1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1961 Subaru 360
To start off, 1973 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Subaru 360 would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1961 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1961 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 620 kg more than 1961 Subaru 360. 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Subaru 360. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1961 Subaru 360 has manual transmission. 1961 Subaru 360 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Vega | 1961 Subaru 360 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Vega | 360 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 355 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 1780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 64 L |
