1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2002 Mazda 2
To start off, 2002 Mazda 2 is newer by 29 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 2. (78 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 2 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1973 Chevrolet Vega.
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, 2002 Mazda 2, 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 2. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 2. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 2 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 | 2002 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | 2 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2500 mm |
