1981 Lada Niva vs. 1988 Renault 19
To start off, 1988 Renault 19 is newer by 7 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 19 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 19 (91 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 19 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lada Niva weights approximately 156 kg more than 1988 Renault 19.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Renault 19. 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, 1988 Renault 19 (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 19 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1988 Renault 19 | |
| Make | Lada | Renault |
| Model | Niva | 19 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 38 L |
