1983 Lada Niva vs. 1988 Saab 900
To start off, 1988 Saab 900 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 900 (101 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1983 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1983 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Saab 900. 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, 1988 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1988 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | Niva | 900 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2530 mm |
