1976 Lada 1200 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 36 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1976 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 557 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lada 1200 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 70 L |
