1985 Lada Niva vs. 1969 Volvo 120
To start off, 1985 Lada Niva is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Volvo 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Volvo 120 (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Volvo 120 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 120 kg more than 1969 Volvo 120.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Volvo 120. 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 Volvo 120 (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Volvo 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 1969 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Lada | Volvo |
| Model | Niva | 120 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
