1991 Lada Niva vs. 1970 Saab Sonett III
To start off, 1991 Lada Niva is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Saab Sonett III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Saab Sonett III would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Saab Sonett III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1970 Saab Sonett III. (64 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1970 Saab Sonett III. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lada Niva weights approximately 350 kg more than 1970 Saab Sonett III. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Saab Sonett III. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1970 Saab Sonett III (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Saab Sonett III will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lada Niva | 1970 Saab Sonett III | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | Niva | Sonett III |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 58.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2160 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 60 L |
