2003 Lada Niva vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Lada Niva is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2003 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 443 kg more than 2003 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lada Niva. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2003 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 2003 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lada Niva | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lada | Pontiac |
| Model | Niva | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1688 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 76 L |
