1988 Lada Samara vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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 (5 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (169 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 665 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Samara | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2730 mm |
