1979 Lada 1200 vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra is newer by 19 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (85 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 345 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, 1998 Opel Astra, 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, 1998 Opel Astra (188 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | 1200 | Astra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 44 L |
