2003 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada Niva would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu (200 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Malibu should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 417 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Chevrolet Malibu (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu has automatic transmission and 1981 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1981 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Malibu will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Malibu | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lada |
| Model | Malibu | Niva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1569 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 43 L |
