1981 Lada Niva vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1981 Lada Niva is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada Niva weights approximately 558 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Niva | Elan |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1963 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
