1980 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Lada Niva
To start off, 1985 Lada Niva is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 247 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1985 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Escort | Niva |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 43 L |
