1981 Lada 1200 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 27 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. Both 1981 Lada 1200 and 2008 Volkswagen Polo are equipped with a 1,198 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lada 1200 (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (54 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lada 1200 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 127 kg more than 1981 Lada 1200.
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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada 1200 | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1072 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 45 L |
