1990 Lada Samara vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lada Samara would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1990 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1990 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 120 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 BMW 120. 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, 2012 BMW 120 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lada Samara | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lada | BMW |
| Model | Samara | 120 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
