2008 Lada Niva vs. 1986 Renault 21
To start off, 2008 Lada Niva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Renault 21 (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2008 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lada Niva weights approximately 150 kg more than 1986 Renault 21.
Because 2008 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Renault 21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1986 Renault 21 (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lada Niva | 1986 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Lada | Renault |
| Model | Niva | 21 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2760 mm |
