1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1988 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1988 Ford Meteor is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Vega 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 10 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
Because 1974 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 1974 Chevrolet Vega. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Ford Meteor, 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, 1974 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Meteor. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1988 Ford Meteor has manual transmission. 1988 Ford Meteor 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 | 1988 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
