1981 Lada 1200 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1986 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (137 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada 1200 weights approximately 38 kg more than 1986 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1981 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 1981 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada 1200 | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| 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 | 907 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 55 L |
