1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1949 GAZ M-20
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 GAZ M-20. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 GAZ M-20 would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1949 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1949 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 90 kg more than 1949 GAZ M-20. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 GAZ M-20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 GAZ M-20. 1974 Chevrolet Nova has automatic transmission and 1949 GAZ M-20 has manual transmission. 1949 GAZ M-20 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1949 GAZ M-20 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GAZ |
| Model | Nova | M-20 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1949 |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
