1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 1978 Lada 1600 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1600 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1978 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 124 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 39 L |
