1988 Lada Samara vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 929 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 929 weights approximately 230 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 1978 Mazda 929 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 1978 Mazda 929. 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, 1978 Mazda 929 (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Samara | 929 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2620 mm |
