1994 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 1994 Buick Roadmaster is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada Niva would be higher. At 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 918 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 Buick Roadmaster. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1994 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 1994 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 1981 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1981 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Buick Roadmaster | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Roadmaster | Niva |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5732 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5540 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2210 mm |
