1974 Lada 1200 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada 1200 weights approximately 76 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1974 Lada 1200 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 1974 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1980 Volkswagen Passat (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada 1200 | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 45 L |
