2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1985 Lada Niva
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (164 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1985 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1985 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lada |
| Model | 156 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 43 L |
