1988 Lada Samara vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 370 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.
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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf (166 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samara | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2480 mm |
