1968 Ford 17 vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 1981 Lada Niva is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford 17 (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada Niva weights approximately 32 kg more than 1968 Ford 17.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Ford 17. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1968 Ford 17 (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | 17 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 43 L |
