1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1963 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1973 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 265 kg more than 1973 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, 1963 Ford Zodiac (191 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1963 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1963 Ford Zodiac has manual transmission. 1963 Ford Zodiac 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 | 1963 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 45 L |
