1981 Lada Niva vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1981 Lada Niva is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 408 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lada Niva | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Niva | 280 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 76 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2940 mm |