1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 29 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 487 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.
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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang 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 | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Vega | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 68 L |
