2009 Lada Niva vs. 1989 Saab 900
To start off, 2009 Lada Niva is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 900 (100 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2009 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lada Niva weights approximately 105 kg more than 1989 Saab 900.
Because 2009 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Saab 900. 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, 1989 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lada Niva | 1989 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | Niva | 900 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1688 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2530 mm |
