1988 Lada Samara vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 18 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 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Samara (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 105 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 2006 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1988 Lada Samara (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lada | Smart |
| Model | Samara | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 1820 mm |
