2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Lada Niva
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Niva weights approximately 650 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1988 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Caterham | Lada |
| Model | 7 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2210 mm |
