1996 Saab 900 vs. 1971 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1996 Saab 900 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Saab 900 (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1971 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1971 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saab 900 weights approximately 640 kg more than 1971 Toyota Publica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Toyota Publica 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 1971 Toyota Publica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Saab 900 (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Toyota Publica. (63 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Saab 900 | 1971 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Saab | Toyota |
| Model | 900 | Publica |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2170 mm |
