1988 Lada Samara vs. 1978 Morgan 4
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Morgan 4 (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Morgan 4 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 264 kg more than 1978 Morgan 4.
Because 1978 Morgan 4 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 Morgan 4. 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 Morgan 4 (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Morgan 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1978 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Lada | Morgan |
| Model | Samara | 4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2450 mm |
