1961 Austin A vs. 1988 Lada Samara
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Samara (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara.
Because 1961 Austin A 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 1961 Austin A. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara, 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, 1988 Lada Samara (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A. (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1988 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | A | Samara |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2470 mm |
