1996 Dodge Caravan vs. 1982 Lada Niva
To start off, 1996 Dodge Caravan is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,429 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Caravan (148 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1982 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1982 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 555 kg more than 1982 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Dodge Caravan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1996 Dodge Caravan (229 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Caravan | 1982 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Dodge | Lada |
| Model | Caravan | Niva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 1451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1705 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2210 mm |
