1983 Lada Niva vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1983 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 280 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Niva | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 59 L |
