1978 Lada 1600 vs. 2012 Dacia Duster
To start off, 2012 Dacia Duster is newer by 34 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Dacia Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dacia Duster (104 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dacia Duster should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dacia Duster weights approximately 170 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, 2012 Dacia Duster, 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, 2012 Dacia Duster (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Dacia Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lada 1600 | 2012 Dacia Duster | |
| Make | Lada | Dacia |
| Model | 1600 | Duster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 140 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1822 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2673 mm |
