1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1985 Lada Niva
To start off, 1985 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 625 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (37 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 500 | 1985 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 500 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 37 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 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 |
