2006 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Lada Niva is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2006 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 300 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 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lada Niva. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lada Niva | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lada | Pontiac |
| Model | Niva | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2750 mm |
