1997 Lada Niva vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Lada Niva is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lada Niva weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Toyota Corolla. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Lada Niva (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lada Niva | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Lada | Toyota |
| Model | Niva | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
