1988 Lada Samara vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 170 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 Lotus Elise 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Samara | Elise |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.3 mm |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2310 mm |
