1997 Ford Contour vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 238 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Contour. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Contour | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Contour | Niva |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5625 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
