1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 16 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 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 215 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vega | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2480 mm |
