1981 Lada Niva vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, both 1981 Lada Niva and 1981 Lotus Esprit were released in the same year (1981). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada Niva weights approximately 32 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Niva | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 67 L |
