1986 Lada Riva vs. 1983 Lada Niva
To start off, 1986 Lada Riva is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,569 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lada Riva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lada Riva (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1983 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1983 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 90 kg more than 1986 Lada Riva.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Lada Riva. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Lada Riva (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Lada Riva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Riva | 1983 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Riva | Niva |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2210 mm |
