1979 Citroen GSA vs. 1976 Lada 1200
To start off, 1979 Citroen GSA is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen GSA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Citroen GSA (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Citroen GSA should accelerate faster than 1976 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Lada 1200 weights approximately 28 kg more than 1979 Citroen GSA.
Because 1976 Lada 1200 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 1976 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Citroen GSA, 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, 1979 Citroen GSA (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Citroen GSA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen GSA | 1976 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Citroen | Lada |
| Model | GSA | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 948 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2430 mm |
