  It is shown that the processes $e^+ e^- \to \pi^+ \pi^-$ and $\tau^- \to
\pi^- \pi^0 \nu_\tau$ can be described in a unified approach in satisfactory
agreement with experiment using the vector coupling constant $g_{\rho} = 6$. In
this case, in addition to quark loops, it is also necessary to take into
account meson loops corresponding to the next order in $1/N_c$. These loops
must be taken into account when describing the $\gamma (W) \to \rho$
transition, as well as in interaction of mesons in the final state.
