1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada Niva would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (252 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1240 kg more than 1980 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Chevrolet Express. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 1997 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 1980 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1980 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lada |
| Model | Express | Niva |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Van | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2390 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2210 mm |
