1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 326 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.
Because 1998 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, 1998 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Vega | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vega | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 62 L |
