1989 Lada Samara vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1989 Lada Samara is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1989 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1989 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 600 kg more than 1989 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE 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 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lada Samara | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Samara | SE |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2760 mm |
