1988 Lada Samara vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 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 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1988 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Samara | 450 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2820 mm |
