1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2011 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2011 Ford Ranger is newer by 38 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Ranger (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega.
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, 2011 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Ranger 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 | 2011 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5171 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 3193 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 74 L |
