1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1980 Saab 900
To start off, 1980 Saab 900 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Impala (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1980 Saab 900. (108 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1980 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 535 kg more than 1980 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Chevrolet Impala 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 1971 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1971 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Saab 900. (164 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 1980 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Saab |
| Model | Impala | 900 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2530 mm |
