1996 Lada Niva vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Lada Niva is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1996 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1996 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 466 kg more than 1996 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lada Niva | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lada | Pontiac |
| Model | Niva | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 7456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 132 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 64 L |
