1987 Lada Samara vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lada Samara would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP) has 142 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 223 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 1989 Lotus Esprit 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 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (119 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Samara | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1458 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 216 HP |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2440 mm |
