1985 Lada Niva vs. 1986 Volvo 242
To start off, 1986 Volvo 242 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 242 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 242 (97 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 242 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 242 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1985 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Volvo 242. 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, 1986 Volvo 242 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 242 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 1986 Volvo 242 | |
| Make | Lada | Volvo |
| Model | Niva | 242 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2660 mm |
