1978 Buick Estate vs. 1988 Lada Niva
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 730 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Estate. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1988 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1988 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 1988 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Estate | Niva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2210 mm |
