1979 Citroen Visa vs. 1981 Lada 1200
To start off, 1981 Lada 1200 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lada 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lada 1200 (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lada 1200 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada 1200 weights approximately 223 kg more than 1979 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Citroen Visa, 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, 1981 Lada 1200 (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen Visa. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lada 1200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen Visa | 1981 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Citroen | Lada |
| Model | Visa | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 722 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 39 L |
