2001 Mercury Villager vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2001 Mercury Villager is newer by 20 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 3,276 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Villager (168 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Villager should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Villager weights approximately 930 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.
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, 2001 Mercury Villager, 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, 2001 Mercury Villager (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Villager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 2001 Mercury Villager has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Villager will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Villager | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mercury | Vauxhall |
| Model | Villager | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3276 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2400 mm |
