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Lada Niva 3-door 1.6 (78 Hp) 4x4
Overall Rating
Lada Niva:
The Lada Niva Legend, formerly called the Lada Niva, VAZ-2121, VAZ-2131, and Lada 4×4 , is a series of four-wheel drive, small , and compact off-road cars designed and produced by AvtoVAZ since 1977. Initially aimed at the rural market, later models also targeted urban users. The three- and later five-door 4×4 hatchbacks were sold under the Lada marque in many markets, and have been in continuous production since 1977.
In the 1990s, three- and five-door wagons on a 50 cm longer wheelbase and an extra-long wheelbase pick-up were added to the range. After the original Land Rover and its successor, the Land Rover Defender, were discontinued in 2016, the Niva became the longest-production-run off-road light vehicle still manufactured in its original form. By the end of 2020, an estimated 650,000 Lada Nivas had been sold globally....(Read more on Wikipedia)
3-door Overview:
Lada Niva (3-door). With 120 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1150 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 23 s). The top speed reaches 132 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1977 Lada Niva predates modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. It lacks contemporary active and passive safety features, offering minimal occupant protection by today's measures.
1.6 (78 Hp) 4x4 Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.6L carbureted engine provides modest power, sufficient for off-road crawling and basic utility, but results in very sluggish on-road acceleration and limited top speed.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is poor by modern standards, typical for a carbureted 4x4 of its era. Expect high consumption, especially with its permanent all-wheel-drive system.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional off-road capability for its class and price
- • Simple, rugged, and easy to maintain mechanics
- • Affordable purchase price and parts
- • Compact dimensions aid maneuverability off-road
- • Iconic, timeless design
Cons:
- • Very poor on-road performance and acceleration
- • High fuel consumption for its engine size
- • Lack of modern safety features and crash protection
- • Basic, uncomfortable interior with poor ergonomics
- • Prone to rust and build quality inconsistencies
- • Noisy and unrefined driving experience
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Lada |
| Model: | Niva |
| Generation: | 3-door |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (78 Hp) 4x4 |
| Start of production: | 1977 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 78 Hp @ 5400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 49.7 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 120 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1568 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.75 l |
| Coolant: | 10.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 79 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 23 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 23 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 132 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.7 kg/Hp, 67.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 9.6 kg/Nm, 104.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 21.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1150 |
| Max. weight: | 1490 |
| Max load: | 340 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 300 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Wading depth: | 500 mm |
| Length: | 3720 mm mm |
| Width: | 1680 mm mm |
| Height: | 1640 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2200 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1400 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 220 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 m |
| Climb angle: | 30.1° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 175/80 R16; 185/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension |
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