2006 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 2006 Lada Niva is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2006 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 2006 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 210 kg more than 2006 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Senator. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 1978 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lada Niva. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lada Niva. 1978 Opel Senator has automatic transmission and 2006 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 2006 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Opel Senator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lada Niva | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | Niva | Senator |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 19 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 44 L |
