1985 Lada Niva vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1985 Lada Niva is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 300 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Niva | Elan |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1969 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
