1974 Lada 1200 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 38 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 1054 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 2012 BMW 550 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Lada 1200. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 522 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200. 2012 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1974 Lada 1200 has manual transmission. 1974 Lada 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada 1200 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Lada | BMW |
| Model | 1200 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 70 L |
