1991 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 1991 Lada Niva is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lada 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lada 1600 (78 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1991 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lada 1600 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lada Niva weights approximately 120 kg more than 1978 Lada 1600.
Because 1991 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Lada 1600. 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, 1978 Lada 1600 (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Lada 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lada Niva | 1978 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Niva | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 39 L |
