2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 25 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 450 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 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lada |
| Model | 159 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1602 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
