1981 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Lada Niva
To start off, 1997 Lada Niva is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1997 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1997 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Electra weights approximately 480 kg more than 1997 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Buick Electra. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Buick Electra (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lada Niva. 1981 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1997 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1997 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Electra | 1997 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Electra | Niva |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 1690 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1212 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 42 L |
