1978 Lada 1200 vs. 1999 Mazda 626
To start off, 1999 Mazda 626 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda 626 (100 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1200. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda 626 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1978 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mazda 626, 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, 1999 Mazda 626 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1200 | 1999 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | 1200 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 64 L |
