2006 Lada Niva vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2006 Lada Niva is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 2006 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 45 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.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lada Niva. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lada Niva. 1996 Honda S-MX 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. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lada Niva | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Lada | Honda |
| Model | Niva | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2510 mm |
