1981 Lada 1200 vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 23 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 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lada 1200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada 1200 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
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, 2004 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada 1200 | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lada | Smart |
| Model | 1200 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 33 L |
