1973 Fiat 124 vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 1978 Lada 1600 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lada 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1600 (78 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1600 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1600 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1973 Fiat 124. 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 1600 (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Lada 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 124 | 1978 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 124 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 78 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 39 L |
