1978 Buick Century vs. 1990 Lada Samara
To start off, 1990 Lada Samara is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1990 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1990 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Century weights approximately 510 kg more than 1990 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Century 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 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1978 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Century | 1990 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Century | Samara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3213 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2470 mm |
