1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 35 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 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 69 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. 1974 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2009 Toyota Tacoma has manual transmission. 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Toyota |
| Model | Vega | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 79 L |
