1971 Austin 3 vs. 1982 Lada Niva
To start off, 1982 Lada Niva is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 3 would be higher. At 2,910 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Austin 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Austin 3 (123 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1982 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Austin 3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 3 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1982 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Austin 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1971 Austin 3 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Austin 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 3 | 1982 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | 3 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2910 cc | 1451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 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 | 1490 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 43 L |
