1988 Lada Samara vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (97 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 240 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 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 1976 Holden Sunbird. 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (157 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 1976 Holden Sunbird 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. 1976 Holden Sunbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Lada | Holden |
| Model | Samara | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2590 mm |
