1998 Lada Niva vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lada Niva would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 414 more horse power than 1998 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 850 kg more than 1998 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 667 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lada Niva. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1998 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lada Niva | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Niva | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3090 mm |
