1974 Lada 1200 vs. 2005 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2005 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 31 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 659 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, 2005 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2005 Saab 03-Sep (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada 1200 | 2005 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | 1200 | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 61 L |
