1988 Lada Samara vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1310 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 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 682 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1988 Lada Samara | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Samara | S |
Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1499 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 536 HP |
Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 117 Nm | 799 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 2230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5250 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1872 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1473 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 3165 mm |