1984 Lada Niva vs. 1998 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1998 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1998 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1998 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 30 kg more than 1984 Lada Niva.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lada Niva | 1998 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lada | Suzuki |
| Model | Niva | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
