1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1978 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 220 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Stratos has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Stratos will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1978 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Cavalier | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 80 L |
