1997 Fiat Duna vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 1997 Fiat Duna is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Fiat Duna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Fiat Duna (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Duna should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1600 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1997 Fiat Duna.
Because 1978 Lada 1600 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 1978 Lada 1600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Fiat Duna, 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, 1997 Fiat Duna (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Fiat Duna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Fiat Duna | 1978 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | Duna | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2430 mm |
