1964 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Lada 1200
To start off, 1978 Lada 1200 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lada 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1200 (59 HP) has 37 more horse power than 1964 Fiat 500. (22 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1200 should accelerate faster than 1964 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1200 weights approximately 399 kg more than 1964 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Lada 1200 (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Lada 1200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Fiat 500 | 1978 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 500 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1950 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 39 L |
