1988 Lada Samara vs. 1969 Opel Olympia
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Samara (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Opel Olympia. (58 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1969 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 140 kg more than 1969 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Opel Olympia 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 1969 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Lada Samara (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1969 Opel Olympia | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | Samara | Olympia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2420 mm |
