1978 Lada 1600 vs. 1998 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 1998 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 20 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Saab 03-Sep (152 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 310 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, 1998 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 1998 Saab 03-Sep (219 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1600 | 1998 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | 1600 | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 75 L |
