1981 Lada Niva vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1994 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 744 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 1994 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1994 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1994 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
