1988 Lada Samara vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 23 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 394 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Samara | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2578 mm |
