1976 Lada 1200 vs. 1996 Opel Astra
To start off, 1996 Opel Astra is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1976 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1976 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Astra weights approximately 312 kg more than 1976 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Astra, 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, 1996 Opel Astra (165 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lada 1200 | 1996 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | 1200 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 52 L |
