1971 Fiat 128 vs. 1988 Lada 2104
To start off, 1988 Lada 2104 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 128. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 128 would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada 2104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada 2104 (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 128. (63 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada 2104 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 128. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada 2104 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1971 Fiat 128. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada 2104 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 1988 Lada 2104. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 128, 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, 1988 Lada 2104 (94 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 128. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Lada 2104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 128.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 128 | 1988 Lada 2104 | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 128 | 2104 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2430 mm |
