1977 BMW 520 vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 1981 Lada Niva is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 520 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 413 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 520 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
