1981 Lada Niva vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 898 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | SLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 60 L |
