1981 Buick Estate vs. 1988 Lada Samara
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 956 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Buick Estate 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 1981 Buick Estate. 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 1981 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1988 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1988 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 1988 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Estate | Samara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
