1988 Lada Niva vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 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 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 190 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 2002 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lada | Lotus |
| Model | Niva | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1340 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 |
