1991 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1991 Lada Niva is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Rekord weights approximately 145 kg more than 1991 Lada Niva.
Because 1991 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Rekord. 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 Opel Rekord (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lada Niva | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | Niva | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 65 L |
