1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1981 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1981 Holden Commodore is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Holden Commodore (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Commodore weights approximately 215 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, 1981 Holden Commodore (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1981 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1981 Holden Commodore has manual transmission. 1981 Holden Commodore 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 | 1981 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Holden |
| Model | Vega | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2837 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 192 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2670 mm |
