1990 Lada Niva vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lada Niva would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 2700 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1990 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1990 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 698 kg more than 1990 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lada Niva. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1990 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1990 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lada Niva | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1451 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1848 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 80 L |
