1983 Fiat 126 vs. 1982 Lada Niva
To start off, 1983 Fiat 126 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,451 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1983 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lada Niva weights approximately 565 kg more than 1983 Fiat 126. 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 1983 Fiat 126. 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat 126 | 1982 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | 126 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 650 cc | 1451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 585 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2210 mm |
