Car power is one of those phrases that can mean two very different things. For some drivers, it's about having a dependable 12-volt outlet to run a phone charger or small accessory. For gearheads, it's about a serious piece of vintage machinery that gets an old race car turning over. These two used items sit at opposite ends of that spectrum and are not really competing for the same garage.
Quick Verdict
If you want a cheap, straightforward way to power DC accessories from your car, the Vector adapter is a no-brainer. If you're restoring or racing vintage karts and need a period-style starting rig, the Power Products unit is the kind of find that makes a project complete.
At a Glance
| Product | Price | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vector VEC157BD | $10.95 | Used 12V DC adapter with 8-amp output and 121-inch cord | Everyday in-car power |
| Power Products Starter | $999.00 | Used 1950s/1960s starter engine for go-kart or midget racer | Vintage racing restoration |
Where Each Product Wins
The Vector wins on price, portability, and everyday usefulness. For less than the cost of a drive-thru meal, you get a working 12-volt adapter you can toss in a glovebox. The Power Products wins on rarity, mechanical interest, and fitting a specific vintage project. It's a conversation piece that also appears to be a professionally built rig for starting a cart or midget car without removing shrouds or pulling cords.
Vector Products Model VEC157BD
This black used adapter delivers 12 volts at 8 amps and includes a 121-inch cord, which gives you plenty of reach from your car's power outlet to a device in the back seat or cargo area. It's described as powered and ready for the task, making it an easy pick if you need a simple DC power source on the road. The main drawback is that you'll want to confirm the tip matches your specific device. The listing notes to check the attached pictures for the adapter end, and being used means there's no promise of a perfect fit. Still, at $10.95, it's a low-stakes way to solve a common car power need.
Vtg 1950s 1960s Power Products Go Cart Kart Midget Car Starter 2 Stroke Engine
This vintage unit from Power Products is a genuine piece of racing history, coming fresh from a Dallas estate. It's a portable starting rig built on an aluminum chassis, with a roller that presses against the tire, a cable-operated wheel lock, pull cord, gas tank, and on/off switch. Details like the AN fitting on the removable handle and the diamond-pattern-wrapped muffler give it serious garage appeal. The seller notes it hasn't been started but does spin over with good compression, and it hasn't been cleaned, altered, or repaired. That's both a plus for originality and a limitation: the engine size is unknown, and you'll likely need to do your own tuning and maintenance before relying on it. At $999, this is for a collector or racer who appreciates the specific niche it fills.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the Vector if you want an inexpensive, practical 12V adapter for your car today. Choose the Power Products if you're working on a vintage go-kart or midget racer and want a period-appropriate starting rig that doubles as a shop conversation piece. Both are used, but they serve completely different kinds of car power enthusiasts.
