1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 1980 Lada Niva is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lada Niva weights approximately 145 kg more than 1973 Chevrolet Vega.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1973 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 1980 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1980 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Vega | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lada |
| Model | Vega | Niva |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 43 L |
