1981 Lada Niva vs. 2005 Seat Altea
To start off, 2005 Seat Altea 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Altea (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Altea weights approximately 253 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 2005 Seat Altea. 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, 2005 Seat Altea (240 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2005 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Lada | Seat |
| Model | Niva | Altea |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
