1978 Lada 1600 vs. 1993 Volvo 850
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 2,319 cc (5 cylinders), 1993 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (223 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1978 Lada 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Lada 1600 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 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850, 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1600 | 1993 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Lada | Volvo |
| Model | 1600 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 2319 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 73 L |
