1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1989 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1989 Lancia Thema is newer by 15 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, 1989 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lancia Thema weights approximately 305 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Lancia Thema, 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, 1989 Lancia Thema (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1989 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1989 Lancia Thema 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 | 1989 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Vega | Thema |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2670 mm |
