1998 Lada Samara II vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Lada Samara II is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1998 Lada Samara II. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1998 Lada Samara II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 780 kg more than 1998 Lada Samara II. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Pontiac Firebird 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 1971 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Lada Samara II, 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lada Samara II. (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lada Samara II.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lada Samara II | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lada | Pontiac |
| Model | Samara II | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2750 mm |
