Two old men: comparison of Chevrolet Niva and Lada Niva

Currently, the automobile market offers a large selection of SUVs. Vehicles for active mobility are very popular due to their high cross-country ability. Chevrolet Niva and Niva (Lada) 4x4 are considered the main competitors in this segment. Both cars have their pros and cons, based on which the buyer makes a choice.

Content

• "Chevrolet Niva" and "Lada Niva": comparison of differences
• Safety and comfort "Niv"
• LADA 4×4 and Chevrolet Niva off-road
• What is more difficult and more expensive to maintain: Chevrolet Niva or Lada 4x4
• Resale choice: what sellers offer
• Problems of old people in the secondary market
• What to buy: Niva or Chevrolet Niva

Standard comparisons of “father and son” or “grandfather and grandson” will not apply to these cars: there is not such a large time gap between Tolyatti SUVs. They are more like brothers. The traditional lack of development budgets for the late nineties led to the fact that instead of a full-fledged second generation of the Niva, we received a heavily modernized first one, albeit with a different nameplate on the hood. However, there will still be quite a lot of differences. Let's talk about them.

Tires and other spare parts

Both cars were made in Russia, so finding spare parts for them will not be difficult. But there will be a difference in price between them - 4x4 has a simpler appearance, so the parts will cost a little less. While Chevrolet is close to cars of a higher class and price category. In addition, the Chevrolet is equipped with additional options (for example, air conditioning), which also increases the cost of maintenance.

The Niva is equipped with the best tires - Continental Conti Cross Contact AT. They improve road grip, increase vehicle stability and cross-country ability.

Having compared Chevrolet Niva cars with Lada 4x4, we can conclude that there is no significant difference in quality between them. Which car to choose is decided based on budget, operating conditions and the importance of design. The Chevrolet Niva is better suited for comfortable driving on city roads. It has a more modern appearance, many additional options, and a comfortable interior. But the price is significantly higher than the competitor.

Lada 4x4 is ideal for lovers of active recreation and off-road driving. It will be a good purchase for trips to the mountains and the countryside, but driving around the city can bring discomfort due to poor sound insulation. The car is cheaper than its competitor and has a simpler design.

"Chevrolet Niva" and "Lada Niva": comparison of differences

Officially, since 2004, it, of course, was and is called LADA 4x4, but it still continues to be called simply “Niva” from old memory. Because legal subtleties and copyrights are far from the common man.

And this is fair, because both Nivas have a related chassis, a related transmission and a confusingly similar 1.7 liter engine. They were even modernized, plus or minus together or one after another: the rear suspension mounting points were changed, the cardan shafts were equipped with CV joints, and noise and vibration insulation was improved.

But, despite the commonality of the initial base and modifications, there are many differences. So, the Chevrolet Niva has a different engine mount, a different oil pan, and an original intake tract. The transmission control is different: the LADA 4×4 has three transfer case levers in the cabin, while the Shniva has two. It’s just that in the original, the activation of the lowering and the locking of the center diff are assigned to different levers, while in the later successor they are hung on one.

Also read: Test drive Lada 4×4: Urban does not mean urban

And now about 4x4

Niva 2121 (aka LADA 4×4 and VAZ-2121), over its long history, has repeatedly become a prize-winner of several famous international rallies and set more than one world record. Many of its modifications are used in various departments, and not only in our country (for example, international peacekeeping forces). Its owner is the president of our country. All this is thanks to the simplicity and reliability of its designs.

Thanks to its dimensions, it accelerates quickly. But the brakes and steering (you have to hold the steering wheel all the time) cause fair criticism from the owners. The outdated ergonomics of the cabin are somewhat compensated by the good visibility provided by the vertically located windshield pillars.

Disadvantages also include the following:

• missing sound insulation. Because of this, the cabin is quite noisy;
• Poor fixation of side mirrors. After driving over uneven surfaces, they require new adjustments;
• small trunk volume. Without folding the rear seats, it is difficult to fit everything an angler or hunter needs.

But, unlike the Chevy Niva, its suspension is moderately soft and hard at the same time. So, she doesn’t even notice the speed bumps. After an off-road race, the doors of the Niva 2121 are easy to open without getting your hands dirty. Its differential can be engaged directly after entering an obstacle (and not before it, like the Chevy Niva), without stopping. This model is easier to transport with a hijack as there are several hooking points. The approach angles for both SUVs, forward and backward, on obstacles are almost the same, and diagonal entries are difficult to make on both.

Safety and comfort "Niv"

The main differences between the two “grandfathers” lie not so much in technology, but in comfort and safety options. For example, LADA 4×4 still does not have seat belt pretensioners, and air conditioning appeared in the list of options only after 2014 with the release of the Urban version.

The 4x4 interior is dramatically inferior to the Niva in terms of visuals and comfort. Firstly, even after all the upgrades, it looks like 1977. Secondly, it’s cramped, narrow, and noisy. The Shniva is also not exactly a Mercedes, but the 2009 restyling from the Bertone studio at least brought its interior closer to the standards accepted in low-cost cars: a three-spoke steering wheel, cup holders, more or less ergonomic chairs, and more recently and the media system with navigation is still ultra-budget and Togliatti, but it no longer looks shameful.

The two brothers are greatly distinguished by the number of modifications - both factory and not so. Chevrolet Niva is a non-alternative five-door body; 4×4 already comes in three- and five-door versions from the factory. And also - a pickup truck, a van, an all-terrain vehicle. And this is not counting semi-amateur crafts like mobile homes.

The Chevrolet Niva can only boast of factory tuning like the Winter Edition and SE trim levels, which comes down mainly to different bumpers, special paint, wheels and a standard snorkel.

Also read: Chevrolet Niva - from dirt to city. One owner experience

Pros and history of models

The first thing that the Niva 4x4 can offer is its unusual appearance, which is now impossible to find in any other car. Without a doubt, these words will make many fans of foreign novelties smile. However, over a period of more than 40 years, such a car has retained its original appearance. Moreover, it is much more interesting to drive a car that is made in the style of the early eighties. Many of even the largest European automobile companies are trying to produce cars that are created in the image and likeness of old retro cars. As for the Niva 4x4, in this case the appearance has never changed, which looks very cool. Thanks to the new version of the Urban car, the car only began to look better. The main feature of this version is that the restyling did not spoil the classic style of the car.

As for the Chevrolet Niva, this is the same story of the domestic automobile industry, but I want to remember it a little less. As for the appearance of the car, it was created on the basis of the nineties, when things in Togliatti were, to put it mildly, not in the best way. The appearance cannot be said to be of very high quality and interesting, but it does not evoke negative emotions either. Much of the credit for this nuance goes to the Italians, who managed to breathe new life into the car in 2010.

As for the first version of the car, it can be called a real veteran of domestic production, for which it is loved to this day.

LADA 4×4 and Chevrolet Niva off-road

If you compare the differences between the two old men off-road, you need to approach this issue from two sides:

• if we compare production models;
• when comparing modified models.

The serial ones are identical in cross-country ability, plus or minus, with the difference that the short-wheelbase (2.2 m) three-door is more mobile and flexible off-road than the Niva with its 2.47 meters between the axles. But their transmission and engine limits are close.

But as for the modified versions, there is an endless field of experiments: a Niva on “toothy” wheels will go much further than a 4x4 on standard road wheels. A LADA 4×4 with a snorkel will sail where the factory Niva will stand. And, on the contrary: a Niva with a winch will crawl out of places where an unfinished 4x4 won’t even approach.

In the case of non-factory options, off-road tuning elements begin to play a key role, and the list of differences tends to infinity.

Also read: The Germans about the Lada 4X4: “The car has one name…”

What's better about off-road driving?

If we consider cross-country ability, the cars are not inferior to each other in this indicator. At the same time, SUVs of domestic origin are in many ways superior to their foreign competitors, despite their lower cost.

In theory, off-road Lada outperforms its competitor for the following reasons :

1. Geometric dimensions . The Lada's body is shorter, so when passing difficult sections the likelihood of getting stuck is significantly reduced.
2. The 2121 has much smaller overhangs . Therefore, you don’t have to be afraid to cross areas with serious differences, but in a Chevrolet you have to slow down; the plastic bumper can crack even with a slight impact.
3. The lighter weight of the Lada makes it more adventurous , even a few kilograms matter off-road, and this SUV is lighter.
4. The passable Lada has greater ground clearance . At the time of the test, the car overcame serious ditches, as well as holes. On gravel roads you can drive at high speed, as the car has high stability even in poor terrain.

What is more difficult and more expensive to maintain: Chevrolet Niva or Lada 4x4

Same. With a plus or minus note. The market price for the front bumper of the 4x4 Urban is 6,990 rubles, for the Shniva - 6,990 rubles. A windshield for a 4x4 costs around 2,450 rubles, for a Niva – 2,100-2,700 rubles. Bosch oil filter - 318 rubles for 4x4 and 426 rubles for Niva. Complete engine - 66-93 thousand rubles for both.

In general, owning them in everyday life costs about the same amount of money. If you exploit it to the fullest - in the taiga - then there are possible options that are impossible to calculate: everything is too individual.

Servicing a LADA 4×4 will be insignificant, but more expensive if we are dealing with a new or just a warranty car: its maintenance regulations require more frequent visits to the dealer - once every 10 thousand km, versus 15 thousand km for the Niva. As a result, over three years of ownership (or 30 thousand kilometers), LADA 4x4 will require four service visits and maintenance for 28,600 rubles, Niva - three visits and 22,100 rubles (manufacturer prices for September 2020).

Also read: UAZ Hunter was tested in Japan: what impressions did the Russian SUV leave?

Comparison of technical qualities of cars

The first option will be a Chevrolet car, and the second will be a Lada Niva:

• car length is 4 meters 56 centimeters and 3 meters 64 centimeters;
• width 1 meter 80 centimeters and 1 meter 68 centimeters;
• height 1 meter 60 centimeters and 1 meter 64 centimeters;
• the wheelbase was 2 meters 45 centimeters and 2 meters 20 centimeters;
• weight 1 ton 405 kilograms and 1 ton 285 kilograms;
• luggage compartment volume 320 and 265 liters;
• ground clearance of cars is 22 and 20.5 centimeters;
• engine in both cases R;
• volume in both cases is 1.6 liters;
• car power 80 and 83 horsepower;
• torque 127 and 129 Nm;
• all-wheel drive in two car variations;
• mechanics both here and there.
• the maximum available speed is 140 and 142 kilometers per hour;
• desired fuel AI-95;
• fuel tank 58 and 42 liters;
• mixed consumption 10.2 and 9.9 liters;
• consumption on city roads is 13.2 and 12.1 liters;
• highway consumption 8.4 and 8.3 liters;
• number of seats in cars 5 and 4;
• base cost 670 thousand and 560 thousand rubles.

These are the features of these two cars.

Resale choice: what sellers offer

The choice of aftermarket cars is rich: 4,000 Chevrolets and 7,500 4x4s. After all, the original Niva has been on the assembly line for more than 40 years, Niva for almost twenty. With an eye on trouble-free driving every day, of course, you need to look at the latest options. All the factory modifications are screwed in there, of which there are quite a few. There is minimal mileage and the most advanced equipment. In the case of LADA 4×4, let me remind you, this is an air conditioner, in the case of Niva it is a media system.

If you dig around and look for exotics, you can find pre-restyling Chevrolet Niva with an experimental 1.8 liter, 122 hp engine. With. from Opel. Now it’s almost a museum rarity, the number of offers on the market barely exceeds a dozen, but it’s worth it: it has a much better interior (with seats made by the same Opel) and a Japanese Aisin transmission. And it’s inexpensive: the rare Niva Fam1 can be found ranging from 260 to 500 thousand rubles. True, the mileage is corresponding: 200-300 thousand km each.

But mostly, of course, there will be simpler cars - with the native Tolyatti 1.7 liter. And you have to choose meticulously: there are no two identical copies (just as there were none even when they came off the assembly line).

Also read: Chinese “SUV” at the price of “Niva”: review of Lifan X60 I (before restyling)

Time travel

Little has changed in the interior of the Lada over the past few decades; opening the 4x4 door opens a portal to the past. The details are especially impressive. For example, the heater control “sliders”, familiar to anyone who has driven a VAZ classic. As the experiment showed, some of the novice drivers under 20 years of age could not even understand how to use the stove in a Lada. Attempts to modernize the interior are not very successful and lead to ergonomic problems. For example, the keys for adjusting mirrors and power windows located near the handbrake are inconvenient to use.

Niva is more thoughtful in ergonomic matters; its interior does not look like an artifact of ancient eras. There are not many keys, a kind of forced healthy minimalism. But there are also disadvantages here. The buttons are not always located logically; an excellent example is the light control unit to the left of the instrument panel. But for the power window keys on the door handle - “five”. And in general, the Chevrolet is more convenient than the Lada - all controls are at your fingertips.

10 photos

chevrolet niva I 80 hp I 0-100 km/h – n.a.

To the left of the driver there is a very comfortable armrest. However, here you can even put your elbow out the window, it’s an SUV! Round stove switches are a timeless and convenient classic. Using the gearshift lever is comfortable, it has a short stroke, and you need to put in a little effort to turn it on.

Dimensions and low beam are controlled by keys, which is not very convenient. At the same time, it is not always clear whether the headlights are on or not.

In Niva, locking the center differential and activating the low row in the transfer case are performed with one lever, which is very convenient

A radio with a removable panel is one of the options. There is a control unit for adjusting the mirrors and heated front seats.

Many keys look familiar - in Niva they migrated from the Samara-2 family

Rear passengers can use the transforming armrest as a stand for glasses and bottles

a full-size spare tire is mounted on the fifth door, but there is no cover for it

a neat snorkel is a sign of one of the two off-road versions of Niva. Such cars are also equipped with protection for the engine and front axle gearbox, as well as a tow bar.

The rear seat backs on the Niva fold into a flat floor, but to do this you must first lift the lower part of the sofa

Problems of old people in the secondary market

Most problems at the start can be identified by checking the operating history. Here, for example, is a nice option: not the most record-breaking mileage, bargaining is announced at the hood.

And there will be plenty of reasons to bargain. At a minimum, because the car is broken.

And it was seriously beaten - from the front and from the side.

In general, let’s move on right away and see what the owners of Shnivy offer.

And again the report from avtocod.ru tells us not to waste time and move on immediately.

Firstly, the car has a lot of owners and a duplicate title - it is very worn. Secondly, the mileage is covered. Thirdly, there is a ban on registration actions on the car. We don’t even waste time on inspection and look further.

Also read: Lada Xray: the whole truth from the owner’s lips

Interior

Everything here is extremely simple. There are no differences in the interior decoration of the VAZ 2121 and VAZ 2131 cars. It's a bunch of plastic that is considered low quality by modern standards.

Also interesting: Which is better: a crossover or a sedan?

Assembly features give rise to mobility of parts, which leads to excessive noise, squeaks and other sounds in the cabin. The decoration of the Shevik, although today it does not stand up to any criticism, is still a little more diverse.

It has better quality plastic, door trim, and controls. For a minute, you can even forget that we are talking about the development of the late 80s.

What is there and what is missing: comparison of configurations

The equipment largely determines interior comfort and control. Both cars can be purchased in several trim levels. Among the features we note:

1. The instrument cluster for both models is almost the same. But Niva’s panel is much nicer and more convenient.
2. The Chevrolet steering wheel is much more comfortable. Moreover, only this version has a built-in airbag, the second one is made for the passenger.
3. Both cars can be purchased with additional options.

SUVs come in several trim levels. The cheap version of the Chevrolet L costs 687,000 rubles, the Lada in the Classic version costs 520,000 rubles.

Version L is characterized by the following options:

1. Spare wheel as standard. It is steel, like the main kit.
2. The exterior mirrors are electrically operated and heated. These options are not included in the basic configuration of the competitor, but provide the driver with comfort when driving the vehicle.
3. Power steering. It provides easy steering wheel movement in a wide variety of conditions. Previously, the option was not included in the basic version of the SUV, which made driving in off-road conditions or within the city more difficult.
4. Headlights corrector. It is not available in Lada; it allows you to adjust the light dispersion to suit your own conditions.
5. Cabin filter. This option provides the most comfortable driving conditions.
6. The rear seats can be folded down. They significantly increase the luggage compartment when transporting large loads.
7. The steering column is height adjustable. Due to this, the driver, regardless of his height, can sit comfortably.
8. Power front doors are a standard feature on almost all cars.
9. Central locking.
10. For rear passengers, there were outlets for heating the feet. In winter, the required comfort is provided in the cabin. Lada does not have this option, so the rear passengers will freeze in severe frost.
11. Immobilizer. This feature significantly improves vehicle safety.

Lada in the Classic configuration is characterized by the following features:

1. A spare full-size wheel is included in the package.
2. Hydraulic booster. Previously, when parking or driving around the city, you had to make a lot of effort to control the vehicle; this option was included only in expensive versions.
3. Light window tinting.
4. The front doors have power windows.
5. Audio preparation. It is worth considering that the car practically does not have a music system. Preparation for audio involves creating special niches for acoustics and laying wiring.
6. A V12 socket was placed in the cabin. It is suitable for connecting various mobile devices.
7. There is a mount for a child seat. According to established laws in many countries, children under the age of 12 must only ride in a special seat.
8. Daytime Running Lights.

In the most expensive configuration GLC Niva costs 734,000 rubles, additional options are as follows:

1. Front fog lights. They are required to increase the degree of illumination of the road surface when driving at a time of poor visibility.
2. Alloy wheels. They tend to look more attractive and reduce the overall weight of the vehicle.
3. Bumpers and other elements are painted in body color. Due to this, the car looks more attractive.
4. Higher quality upholstery materials.
5. Additional lamp in the rear.
6. There is a USB socket. Today, many devices run on USB. When connected, the battery is charged.
7. Air conditioning and cooling box.
8. Security alarm. It significantly increases vehicle safety.
9. Parking Assist System - simplifies the process of parking a vehicle in difficult conditions.
10. Seat height adjustment. This additional option allows drivers of almost any height and build to sit comfortably.
11. Optional soundproofing package. It provides the greatest comfort when traveling on the highway or off-road.
12. Heated front seats. This option provides comfortable conditions when driving in winter.
13. Multimedia system. It is represented by a large display with a large number of different control units. The system can play a wide variety of files and display a map with navigation.

Also interesting: New crossovers with all-wheel drive: review of the best models

The most expensive Lada comes in the Black Edition. It costs 580,000 rubles. The features are as follows:

1. Body paint is Panther color.
2. Additional sound insulation. It significantly increases comfort in the car. Without the additional package, the noise from the engine and transfer case is very strong.
3. Light window tinting.
4. Regular air conditioner. It has only one operating mode.
5. 12V socket in luggage compartment.
6. Brake assistance system BAS. It should significantly improve safety during an emergency stop.

The information above indicates that Chevrolet should be chosen when you need a comfortable car. In the best configuration, it has almost all the required options. Lada has few options for comfort.