1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1965 Volvo 122
To start off, 1973 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Volvo 122. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Volvo 122 would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Volvo 122 (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Volvo 122 should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Volvo 122 weights approximately 87 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Volvo 122. (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Volvo 122. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1965 Volvo 122 has manual transmission. 1965 Volvo 122 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 | 1965 Volvo 122 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volvo |
| Model | Vega | 122 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2610 mm |
