1988 Lada Samara vs. 1999 Kia Potentia
To start off, 1999 Kia Potentia is newer by 11 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Potentia weights approximately 550 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 1999 Kia Potentia 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 1999 Kia Potentia. 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, 1999 Kia Potentia (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 1999 Kia Potentia 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. 1999 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1999 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Lada | Kia |
| Model | Samara | Potentia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2720 mm |
