1979 Lada 1200 vs. 1981 Nissan Stanza
To start off, 1981 Nissan Stanza is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Stanza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Stanza (81 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lada 1200 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1981 Nissan Stanza.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Stanza, 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 Nissan Stanza (130 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Stanza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 1981 Nissan Stanza | |
| Make | Lada | Nissan |
| Model | 1200 | Stanza |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
