1986 Lada Samara vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1986 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 545 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Samara | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Samara | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 62 L |
