1988 Lada Samara vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lada Niva weights approximately 226 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lada Samara. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Samara | Niva |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2210 mm |
