1974 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 37 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (161 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 475 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Vega.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Vega | 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Vega | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2285 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1797 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 59 L |
