1988 Lada Samara vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 13 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 144 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 Lotus Exige 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 2001 Lotus Exige. 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Samara | Exige |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 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 | 924 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
