1974 Lada 1200 vs. 1983 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada 1200 (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada 1200 should accelerate faster than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada 1200 weights approximately 56 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1983 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, 1983 Volkswagen Passat (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1983 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 | 1983 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2560 mm |
