1981 Lada Niva vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 26 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (217 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 267 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 2007 Volvo S40. 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lada | Volvo |
| Model | Niva | S40 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1419 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 62 L |
