1962 Fiat 500 vs. 1987 Lada Niva
To start off, 1987 Lada Niva is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1962 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1962 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lada Niva weights approximately 665 kg more than 1962 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1962 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Fiat 500 | 1987 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 500 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 36 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 485 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 43 L |
