1987 Lada Samara vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 18 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 1,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP) has 123 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 460 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 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (119 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara. 2005 Mazda RX-8 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. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Samara | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1458 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 60 L |
