1972 Citroen DS vs. 1982 Lada Niva
To start off, 1982 Lada Niva is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen DS would be higher. At 2,347 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen DS (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1982 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1982 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen DS weights approximately 122 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 1972 Citroen DS. 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, 1972 Citroen DS (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen DS | 1982 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Citroen | Lada |
| Model | DS | Niva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2347 cc | 1451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1272 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 43 L |
