1988 Lada Samara vs. 1979 Saab 900
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Saab 900 weights approximately 280 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.
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, 1979 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1979 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | Samara | 900 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 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 | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2530 mm |
