1974 Lada 1200 vs. 1982 Saab 900
To start off, 1982 Saab 900 is newer by 8 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Saab 900 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1974 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1982 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, 1982 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada 1200 | 1982 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | 1200 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2530 mm |
