1988 Lada Samara vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 310 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, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samara | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2510 mm |
