1981 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Falcon (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 450 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 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. 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 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 1988 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Falcon | Samara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
