1990 Lada Samara vs. 1981 Lada 1200
To start off, 1990 Lada Samara is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lada Samara (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lada Samara should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada 1200 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1990 Lada Samara.
Because 1981 Lada 1200 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 1981 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Lada Samara (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1990 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lada Samara | 1981 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Samara | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2430 mm |
