1996 Lada Niva vs. 1998 Proton 400
To start off, 1998 Proton 400 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Proton 400. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1998 Proton 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lada Niva weights approximately 240 kg more than 1998 Proton 400. 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 1998 Proton 400. 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, 1996 Lada Niva (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lada Niva | 1998 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Lada | Proton |
| Model | Niva | 400 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
