2009 Lada Niva vs. 1978 ZIL 4104
To start off, 2009 Lada Niva is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 ZIL 4104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 ZIL 4104 would be higher. At 7,695 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 ZIL 4104 (311 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 2009 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 ZIL 4104 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 2051 kg more than 2009 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 ZIL 4104. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1978 ZIL 4104 (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 480 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 ZIL 4104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lada Niva. 1978 ZIL 4104 has automatic transmission and 2009 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 2009 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 ZIL 4104 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lada Niva | 1978 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | Lada | ZIL |
| Model | Niva | 4104 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1688 cc | 7695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 105 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 3336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3340 mm |
