1996 Lada Niva vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 223 more horse power than 1996 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 635 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 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lada Niva. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1996 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lada Niva | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Top Speed | 132 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2570 mm |
