1981 BMW 518 vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 1981 BMW 518 is newer by 1 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 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 BMW 518 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 518 (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 518 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lada Niva weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 BMW 518.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 BMW 518. 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, 1981 BMW 518 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 518 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 518 | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 518 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.1 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
