1981 Lada 1200 vs. 1994 Saab 900
To start off, 1994 Saab 900 is newer by 13 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 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Saab 900 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Saab 900 weights approximately 375 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.
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, 1994 Saab 900, 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, 1994 Saab 900 (210 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1994 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada 1200 | 1994 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | 1200 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2530 mm |
