1981 Lada Niva vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 178 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 Toyota Highlander. 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 2008 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Lada | Toyota |
| Model | Niva | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 73 L |
