1979 Lada 1200 vs. 2004 Volvo S80
To start off, 2004 Volvo S80 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 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S80 (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S80 weights approximately 672 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 Volvo S80, 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 Volvo S80 (340 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 2004 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Lada | Volvo |
| Model | 1200 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 70 L |
