1983 Lada Niva vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1983 Lada Niva is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 1,980 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (108 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1983 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 25 kg more than 1976 Chrysler 1609.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Chrysler 1609. 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (159 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lada Niva. 1976 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1983 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1983 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Lada | Chrysler |
| Model | Niva | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 65 L |
