1991 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1991 Lada Niva is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lada Niva weights approximately 435 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. 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 1978 Renault 4. 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, 1991 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (72 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1991 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lada Niva | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Lada | Renault |
| Model | Niva | 4 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1108 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
