1981 Lada Niva vs. 1986 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 205 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Peugeot 205 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Peugeot 205 (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada Niva weights approximately 277 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 205.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Peugeot 205. 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, 1986 Peugeot 205 (161 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1986 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Lada | Peugeot |
| Model | Niva | 205 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
