1981 Lada Niva vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 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 2,685 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (175 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 528 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 62 L |
