1981 Holden Gemini 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 Holden Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Gemini would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Holden Gemini is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Samara (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Holden Gemini. (67 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Holden Gemini weights approximately 35 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara.
Because 1981 Holden Gemini 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 Holden Gemini. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Gemini. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Gemini | 1988 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Holden | Lada |
| Model | Gemini | Samara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2470 mm |
