2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1980 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1980 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lada |
| Model | 166 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 43 L |
