1981 Lada Niva vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 378 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lada | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Niva | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2740 mm |
