1988 Lada Samara vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Samara (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 235 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Lada Samara (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samara | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2340 mm |
