1980 Austin Maxi vs. 1994 Lada Niva
To start off, 1994 Lada Niva is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 1,485 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1980 Austin Maxi. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1980 Austin Maxi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lada Niva weights approximately 170 kg more than 1980 Austin Maxi. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Austin Maxi. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1994 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Austin Maxi. (105 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 1994 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Austin Maxi.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Maxi | 1994 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Austin | Lada |
| Model | Maxi | Niva |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1450 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 43 L |
