1981 Lada Niva vs. 1975 Mini MK I
To start off, 1981 Lada Niva is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mini MK I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mini MK I would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1975 Mini MK I. (48 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1975 Mini MK I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada Niva weights approximately 502 kg more than 1975 Mini MK I. 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 1975 Mini MK I. 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, 1981 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mini MK I. (81 Nm @ 2450 RPM). This means 1981 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mini MK I.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1975 Mini MK I | |
| Make | Lada | Mini |
| Model | Niva | MK I |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2450 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2040 mm |
