1981 Lada Niva vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 15 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 178 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 1996 Honda S-MX. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 1996 Honda S-MX 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. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Lada | Honda |
| Model | Niva | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
