Stock Vega/H-Body 0-60 and Quarter Mile Times

by Robert Spinello (vegabob)

Before we get to the list, some notes: Of course, not all model years were tested of each model. 1977 Spyder-auto was tested, and is on list, therefore a 78/79 spyder (which was not tested) would also rank the same on the list, assuming weight/axle ratio are the same.

Another example for cars NOT on list--1976 Starfire 4 cyl/5-speed was tested, which ranks at the bottom of the list. A Starfire 231 V6/Auto and 305 V8/Auto were NOT tested. These Starfires would rank with Skyhawk V6/Auto & Monza V8 Spyder/Auto (tested) again, assuming weight and axle ratios were the same.

The list is meant to COMPARE different H-Bodies performance and show how power to weight ratio and transmission/axle ratios affect 0-60/qtr mile times.

Example: Compare '71 Vega 140/4-speed at 2440 lbs to the '75 Starfire 140/5speed at 3100 lbs. Same engine here; clearly, Vegas light weight (and lower axle ratio) both contribute to make it the faster car to 60 MPH.

Another surprising example: Compare '71 Vega 140 4 cyl./4-speed again to the '75 Monza 262 V8/auto. Same h.p., but again, Vega's much lower weight and 4-spd/lower geared axle make it faster to 60 MPH. Power to weight ratio means the most, however, axle ratio also plays a large part in pecking order here.

There are 8 cars (out of 20) within the 12 sec. range a tenth of second apart, with some tied! 4 cylinder automatics are slow and are at bottom of list. Cars are listed by fastest 0-60 time even if one is quicker than another in qtr. mile time.

The WINNER first-the fastest 0-60 time stock H-body is: 1974 (pre-production) Vega Cosworth!

Note: Road & Track's times are usually 1-2 seconds longer than other magizines times. This is due to their heavier test weights: equipment when testing is usually 200 lbs.

If the exact model with exact year/engine/trans/axle/weight was tested by multiple magazines, the magazine with the best 0-60 time is listed.