1988 Lada Samara vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Samara (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (63 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 176 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara.
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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (125 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samara | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
