1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1984 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Rover Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Rover Vitesse would be higher. At 3,531 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Rover Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Rover Vitesse (187 HP @ 5280 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Rover Vitesse weights approximately 246 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Rover Vitesse 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 1984 Rover Vitesse. 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, 1984 Rover Vitesse (298 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1984 Rover Vitesse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1984 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Rover |
| Model | Cavalier | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 3531 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5280 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2820 mm |
