1988 Lada Samara vs. 1981 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 90 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 1981 Nissan Silvia 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 1981 Nissan Silvia. 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, 1981 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1981 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Lada | Nissan |
| Model | Samara | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
