2005 Lada Niva vs. 1981 Lada 1200
To start off, 2005 Lada Niva is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada 1200 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 (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lada Niva weights approximately 265 kg more than 1981 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lada 1200. 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 (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lada Niva | 1981 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Niva | 1200 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 39 L |
