1988 Lada Samara vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 70 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 110 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samara | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
