2005 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Lada 1600
To start off, 2005 Lada Niva is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1600 would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lada Niva (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1600. (78 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1600.
Because 2005 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Lada 1600. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Lada Niva (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1600. (122 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lada Niva | 1978 Lada 1600 | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Niva | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 39 L |
