1978 Lada 1200 vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra is newer by 27 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Vectra (173 HP) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1200. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Vectra weights approximately 540 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, 2005 Opel Vectra, 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 Opel Vectra (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1200 | 2005 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | 1200 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 173 HP |
| Torque | 85 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 61 L |
