1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 26 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (101 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 335 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 1973 Chevrolet Vega is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1973 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (224 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda 626 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 | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | 626 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 64 L |
