2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1987 Lada Niva
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1987 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lada Niva weights approximately 610 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 1987 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1987 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Caterham | Lada |
| Model | 7 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2210 mm |
