1980 Lada Niva vs. 1974 Lada 1200
To start off, 1980 Lada Niva is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lada Niva weights approximately 154 kg more than 1974 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Lada 1200. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lada Niva | 1974 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Niva | 1200 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 46 L |
