1980 Lada Niva vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada Niva would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 405 kg more than 1980 Lada Niva. 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 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz S (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1980 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lada Niva | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2950 mm |
