1981 Lada Niva vs. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1981 Lada Niva is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 178 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair. 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, 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair (162 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair has automatic transmission and 1981 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1981 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1970 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Lada | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Niva | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2700 mm |
