1956 Lancia Appia vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1979 Saab 900 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Lancia Appia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Lancia Appia would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Saab 900 (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1956 Lancia Appia. (43 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1956 Lancia Appia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Saab 900 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1956 Lancia Appia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Lancia Appia 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 1956 Lancia Appia. 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, 1979 Saab 900 (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Lancia Appia. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Lancia Appia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Lancia Appia | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lancia | Saab |
| Model | Appia | 900 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1090 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2530 mm |
