1979 Lada 1200 vs. 2004 Rover 45
To start off, 2004 Rover 45 is newer by 25 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Rover 45 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Rover 45 weights approximately 235 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, 2004 Rover 45, 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, 2004 Rover 45 (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 2004 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Lada | Rover |
| Model | 1200 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 55 L |
