1983 Lada Niva vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (269 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 1983 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 675 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lada Niva. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 80 L |
