much nicer to use the original part and the price isnt; so bad..
I have seen some that are temperature compensated valves , replaced by a regular plumbing tap.. some have a thermocouple.. it means you have a tap to turn rather than a dashboard slider.. definitely a bit "rough" but in a pinch one of these can control water flow. that is , if this thing is controlling water flow to the heater core..
I would definitely go ahead and get the right part. no question.. i only mentioned it because this trick might work if you are working on a car where they are obsolete or weird shaped or maybe its just a just a winter beater or cash is a problem and you are stuck.. how well or if it would fit in this location is another thing i dont know.. it can often be re-located in the engine compartment where the heater hose is easy to reach... awkward, yes but maybe if the car's valve leaks and you just need to bide time , it's an option, although definitely a kludge !
https://www.plumbshop.ca/products/watersupply/watersupply-valves/straight-valve-1-2-fip/