1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1999 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1999 Plymouth Neon is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 381 kg more than 1999 Plymouth Neon.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Nova 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 1978 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1978 Chevrolet Nova (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Plymouth Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1999 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Plymouth |
| Model | Nova | Neon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
