1999 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Volvo 343
To start off, 1999 Lada Niva is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1978 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lada Niva weights approximately 220 kg more than 1978 Volvo 343. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volvo 343. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1999 Lada Niva (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volvo 343. (109 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volvo 343. 1978 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1999 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1999 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lada Niva | 1978 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Lada | Volvo |
| Model | Niva | 343 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
