1983 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Lada Samara
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 330 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 1983 BMW 525 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 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1988 Lada Samara | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 525 | Samara |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2470 mm |
