1981 Lada 1200 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1981 Lada 1200 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 665 kg more than 1981 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada 1200 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1200 | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 85 L |
