2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Chevrolet Vega
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (431 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 350 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 577 kg more than 1973 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (586 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 419 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Chevrolet Vega | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Vega |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 2287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 431 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 586 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1582 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 42 L |
