1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1958 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Vega is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,550 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1958 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 187 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, 1958 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1958 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 1958 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 2550 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2720 mm |
