1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 433 kg more than 1971 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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1985 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Vega | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 68 L |
