1982 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1995 Lada Samara
To start off, 1995 Lada Samara is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1995 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1995 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 657 kg more than 1995 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 1982 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1982 Ford Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lada Samara. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1995 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1995 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 1995 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Thunderbird | Samara |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1287 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2470 mm |
