1988 Lada Samara vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 24 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 707 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 2012 Ford Mustang 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 2012 Ford Mustang. 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Lada | Ford |
| Model | Samara | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1627 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2720 mm |
