1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Vauxhall Firenza would be higher. At 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Vauxhall Firenza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Vauxhall Firenza weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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, 1971 Vauxhall Firenza (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1971 Vauxhall Firenza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 1971 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Vauxhall |
| Model | Chevette | Firenza |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 36 L |
