1985 Lada Niva vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 18 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 155 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 2003 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Niva | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
