1988 Lada Samara vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 21 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 520 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 2009 BMW 120 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 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 2009 BMW 120 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. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lada | BMW |
| Model | Samara | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2670 mm |
