1982 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1982 Lada Niva is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Toyota Tercel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lada Niva weights approximately 290 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Toyota Tercel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1982 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lada Niva | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Lada | Toyota |
| Model | Niva | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1451 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
