1978 Lada 1200 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1200. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 685 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1200. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1978 Lada 1200 has manual transmission. 1978 Lada 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1200 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1200 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 66 L |
