1995 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1987 Lada Samara
To start off, 1995 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lada Samara would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 704 kg more than 1987 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Ford Thunderbird 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 1995 Ford Thunderbird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1995 Ford Thunderbird (447 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Samara. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Samara. 1995 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1987 Lada Samara has manual transmission. 1987 Lada Samara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Thunderbird | 1987 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Thunderbird | Samara |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1604 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2470 mm |
