1980 Lada 1200 vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 1980 Lada 1200 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lada 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1600 (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1600 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1600 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1980 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Lada 1600 (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Lada 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lada 1200 | 1978 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | 1200 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 39 L |
