1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1983 Lada Niva
To start off, 1983 Lada Niva is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 130 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1983 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1983 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 131 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2210 mm |
