1979 Lada 1200 vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 10 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 9000 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1979 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 Saab 9000, 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 9000 (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | 1200 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 54 L |
