1986 Lada Samara vs. 1989 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1989 Nissan Laurel is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lada Samara would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan Laurel (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1986 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 250 kg more than 1986 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Nissan Laurel 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 1989 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1989 Nissan Laurel (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Samara | 1989 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lada | Nissan |
| Model | Samara | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2680 mm |
