1988 Lada Niva vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lada Niva would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 242 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1988 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | 500 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 80 L |
