1987 Lada Samara vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1987 Lada Samara is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 343 weights approximately 90 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 Volvo 343 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 Volvo 343. 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 Volvo 343 (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1987 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1987 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Lada Samara | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
Make | Lada | Volvo |
Model | Samara | 343 |
Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1397 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 64 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 96 Nm | 109 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4210 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |