1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1996 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1996 Toyota Starlet is newer by 22 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 7 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 249 kg more than 1996 Toyota Starlet. 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, 1996 Toyota Starlet, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Starlet. (101 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Starlet. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Starlet 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 | 1996 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Vega | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
