1981 Lada Niva vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 27 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 563 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 65 L |
