1987 Vauxhall Nova vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1987 Vauxhall Nova is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,256 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Vauxhall Chevette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1987 Vauxhall Nova. (44 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette should accelerate faster than 1987 Vauxhall Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette weights approximately 115 kg more than 1987 Vauxhall Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Vauxhall Nova, 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, 1981 Vauxhall Chevette (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Vauxhall Nova. (68 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Vauxhall Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Vauxhall Nova | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Vauxhall |
| Model | Nova | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2400 mm |
