1988 Lada Samara vs. 2003 Cadillac CTS
To start off, 2003 Cadillac CTS is newer by 15 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 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac CTS (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 700 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 2003 Cadillac CTS 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 2003 Cadillac CTS. 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, 2003 Cadillac CTS (245 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 2003 Cadillac CTS 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. 2003 Cadillac CTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2003 Cadillac CTS | |
| Make | Lada | Cadillac |
| Model | Samara | CTS |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2890 mm |
