1978 Lancia Stratos vs. 1989 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Saab 900 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1989 Saab 900. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1989 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 900 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Saab 900, 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, 1989 Saab 900 (273 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Stratos. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Stratos | 1989 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lancia | Saab |
| Model | Stratos | 900 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2720 mm |
