1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2008 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 is newer by 34 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 6 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 6 weights approximately 411 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, 2008 Mazda 6, 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, 2008 Mazda 6 (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 6 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 | 2008 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | 6 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 64 L |
