2008 Dodge Ram vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 2008 Dodge Ram is newer by 27 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Ram (345 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 269 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Ram weights approximately 593 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 2008 Dodge Ram. 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, 2008 Dodge Ram (510 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 2008 Dodge Ram has automatic transmission and 1981 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1981 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Ram | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Dodge | Lada |
| Model | Ram | Niva |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6300 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4080 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 129 L | 43 L |
