2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada Niva would be higher. At 4,007 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lada Niva weights approximately 184 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1980 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1980 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Explorer | Niva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 43 L |
