1981 Lada 1200 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 16 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 255 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 634 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lada 1200 has manual transmission. 1981 Lada 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada 1200 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | W12 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 55 L |
