1990 Lada Samara vs. 2003 Lada Niva
To start off, 2003 Lada Niva is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lada Samara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lada Samara would be higher. At 1,688 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1990 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1990 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lada Niva weights approximately 290 kg more than 1990 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lada Samara. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Lada Niva (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lada Samara. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lada Samara | 2003 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Samara | Niva |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1288 cc | 1688 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1210 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 |
