1988 Lada Niva vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 16 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 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 75 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (140 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 54 L |
