2009 Buick Lucerne vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 2009 Buick Lucerne is newer by 28 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 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Buick Lucerne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Buick Lucerne (227 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Buick Lucerne should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Buick Lucerne weights approximately 465 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 2009 Buick Lucerne. 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, 2009 Buick Lucerne (321 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Buick Lucerne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva. 2009 Buick Lucerne 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. 2009 Buick Lucerne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Buick Lucerne | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Buick | Lada |
| Model | Lucerne | Niva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 43 L |
