2004 BMW 120 vs. 1980 Lada 1200
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 120 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1980 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1980 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1980 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 120 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 39 L |
