1974 Lada 1200 vs. 1994 Lada Samara
To start off, 1994 Lada Samara is newer by 20 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lada Samara (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada 1200 weights approximately 72 kg more than 1994 Lada Samara.
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, 1994 Lada Samara, 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, 1994 Lada Samara (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1994 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada 1200 | 1994 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | 1200 | Samara |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
