1988 Lada Samara vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 625 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1988 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Samara | 300 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3080 mm |
