1996 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Lada Niva.
Because 1996 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lada Niva. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lada Niva | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 132 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 66 L |
