1980 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 32 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 401 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lada Niva | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1551 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 66 L |
