1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1949 GAZ M-20
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 2,285 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1949 GAZ M-20. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1949 GAZ M-20. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 GAZ M-20 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1974 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, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 GAZ M-20. (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 GAZ M-20. 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1949 GAZ M-20 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | GAZ |
| Model | Vega | M-20 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1949 |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 2118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
