1985 Lada Niva vs. 1991 Lada Samara
To start off, 1991 Lada Samara is newer by 6 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 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1991 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1991 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 226 kg more than 1991 Lada Samara. 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 1991 Lada Samara. 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, 1985 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 1991 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Niva | Samara |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2470 mm |
