1988 Lada Samara vs. 1979 BMW M1
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 BMW M1 weights approximately 380 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 1979 BMW M1 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 1979 BMW M1. 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, 1979 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1979 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Lada | BMW |
| Model | Samara | M1 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 93.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
