1979 Lada 1200 vs. 1997 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 1997 Skoda Octavia is newer by 18 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Skoda Octavia (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 320 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, 1997 Skoda Octavia, 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, 1997 Skoda Octavia (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 1997 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Lada | Skoda |
| Model | 1200 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
