1987 Lada Niva vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo S40 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1987 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo S40 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1987 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Niva. 2009 Volvo S40 has automatic transmission and 1987 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1987 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Niva | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lada | Volvo |
| Model | Niva | S40 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 57 L |
