1987 Lada Samara vs. 1978 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1987 Lada Samara is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant SE6 (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1987 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Reliant SE6 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 1978 Reliant SE6. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1978 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1978 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lada | Reliant |
| Model | Samara | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2650 mm |
