1987 Lada Samara vs. 1996 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1996 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 9 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 30 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 1996 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Lada Samara. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Suzuki Samurai (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 1996 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lada | Suzuki |
| Model | Samara | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2490 mm |
