1980 Lada Niva vs. 1993 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1993 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 13 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 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 8 more horse power than 1993 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1993 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lada Niva weights approximately 220 kg more than 1993 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lada Niva | 1993 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lada | Suzuki |
| Model | Niva | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1993 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2490 mm |
