1987 Lada Samara vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1987 Lada Samara is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Laurel (102 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 150 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 1981 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 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (163 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lada | Nissan |
| Model | Samara | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
