1985 Lada Niva vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 660 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1985 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1985 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2950 mm |
