1988 Lada Samara vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (98 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 186 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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samara | Polo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2590 mm |
