1987 Lada Samara vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 429 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Samara | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Samara | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.9 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 48 L |
