1988 Lada Niva vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (57 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Niva weights approximately 320 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1971 Lotus Elan (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (114 Nm @ 2070 RPM). This means 1971 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Niva | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2070 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 120 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
