1988 Lada Samara vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lada Samara would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 621 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (260 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Samara | 280 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2840 mm |
