1988 Lada Samara vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 665 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 1977 Pontiac Firebird 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 1977 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lada | Pontiac |
| Model | Samara | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
