1949 Allard J1 vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1979 Saab 900 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,917 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Saab 900 (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1949 Allard J1. (100 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1949 Allard J1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Saab 900 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1949 Allard J1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Allard J1 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1949 Allard J1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1949 Allard J1 (306 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Saab 900. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1949 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J1 | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Allard | Saab |
| Model | J1 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3917 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
