2009 Lada Niva vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2009 Lada Niva is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lada Niva (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. (74 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lada Niva weights approximately 430 kg more than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. 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 1979 Vauxhall Astra. 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, 2009 Lada Niva (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Vauxhall Astra. 1979 Vauxhall Astra 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. 1979 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lada Niva | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Lada | Vauxhall |
| Model | Niva | Astra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
