1984 Lada Niva vs. 1976 Sunbeam Rapier
To start off, 1984 Lada Niva is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Sunbeam Rapier would be higher. At 1,725 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Sunbeam Rapier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1984 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Sunbeam Rapier should accelerate faster than 1984 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lada Niva weights approximately 120 kg more than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier.
Because 1984 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Sunbeam Rapier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 Sunbeam Rapier (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Sunbeam Rapier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lada Niva | 1976 Sunbeam Rapier | |
| Make | Lada | Sunbeam |
| Model | Niva | Rapier |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1976 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1725 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 68 L |
