1978 Fiat 126 vs. 1995 Lada Niva
To start off, 1995 Lada Niva is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 126 would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lada Niva weights approximately 625 kg more than 1978 Fiat 126. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 126. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Lada Niva (134 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 126 | 1995 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 126 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 651 cc | 1690 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2210 mm |
