1988 Lada Samara vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 8 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 405 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Samara | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
