1988 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,302 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (192 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 291 kg more than 1970 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, 1988 BMW M3 (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Vega. 1970 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1970 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Vega |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 2287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 42 L |
