![]() ![]() Its 3-speed gearbox was easily rated as the worst, and engine noise was excessive. While the Vega’s performance numbers were good, testers found the car required too much effort to achieve them. Handling was considered as near neutral as a sedan could be, and its ventilated brakes behaved very well under normal driving. Handling and braking got the Vega’s best scores in the skidpad, it reached the 2nd best cornering speed and the 2nd best stopping distance. Testers thought it was the best-looking of the group, though interior trim-finish, and body structure were deemed the worst. In third place, the Chevy Vega, which R&T considered a ‘very capable car,’ in a tone that sounded like faint praise. Time for the domestics to make an appearance. The Datsun 510 was summed up as being roomy, capable, and entertaining. ![]() Meanwhile, the 510’s boxy cabin scored an easy 2nd on interior and comfort matters, but lacked the luxurious feeling of the Toyota. The Datsun’s brakes were rated the best as well. Testers thought the 510’s instruments and drivetrain were delightful and that it encouraged drivers to extract the most from the vehicle’s potential. The engine was considered best too, with the virile-sounding unit giving a strong performance. The areas where the Datsun 510 rated best were ingress-egress and steering. Japan’s perennial number 2, Nissan in the form of Datsun, reached the second-best scoring in the group. Regardless, the Corona Deluxe was found to be an outstanding value that was quiet, comfortable, and strong. Braking was another weak point for the Corona. Enthusiasts may have frowned at such decisions, but Toyota knew their customers’ needs. R&T considered the low scores the result of factory-recommended low tire pressure part of Toyota’s efforts to give the Corona a ‘plush’ character. Handling was considered the Corona’s weakest aspect. Also, the Corona was the quickest of the lot, with its engine performing smoothly and quietly. With numbers totaled, the Corona Deluxe was deemed the ‘best of the group.’ It topped seven categories all related to comfort and convenience: ride, body structural integrity, ventilation, driver seating, rear seating, trim and finish, and luggage compartment. In total, 14 categories of performance, comfort, and function would be evaluated. 170 miles of varying road conditions freeways, winding canyons, stop-and-go traffic, and a series of performance tests. The testing would be rather comprehensive for all five participants. Last, the Datsun 510 was no new model, but it was a good seller and possessed IRS suspension and a lively 96-bhp 1595 cc engine. In Deluxe form, reviewers called it the limousine of the group, being quite roomy and comparatively luxurious. Meanwhile, new for ’71, the Corona was quickly becoming the one to watch for. With a number of updates that were a big deal for VW, the model intended to keep the aging platform alive against the competition. The segment’s perennial leader was the VW, and the recently launched Super Beetle was chosen for the test. About the picks, the Super Beetle and the Toyota Corona Deluxe were chosen for being the segment’s best sellers, and the Datsun 510 for being the most technically interesting and an enthusiast’s favorite. Many others are mentioned, but most eventually left the US and some disappeared altogether. Regarding the imports, R&T picked rather wisely which brands to test. The Pinto was no less of an effort by Ford, though using many components from their European branches. GM had done a big effort to turn out the Vega all-new models, in a new size category, were a rarity for US carmakers. By ’71, the imports comprised 13% of the US market and their rise could no longer be ignored. Obviously, R&T’s main interest was to test how well Detroit’s new import fighters would fare. We know how these storylines finish, but how were these products received back in the day? And the long-running Beetle is selling better than ever, defying skeptics. Meanwhile, the Japanese are bringing their most competitive offerings to date. After lots of plot twists, Detroit’s Big 2 have launched new models to stave off the imports’ ascendance. It’s 1971 and the economy class is heating up. ![]()
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