Previously, we already compared the Niva VAZ-2121 with the UAZ-469 (3151). Today we’ll compare the regular short Niva with the Chevrolet Niva. We will not delve into the history of the creation of these cars, but will try to highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of each SUV. And if the comparison of Niva with UAZ was not entirely correct because... These cars belong to different classes, but now everything is in order in this regard. The Chevrolet Niva is essentially a development of the VAZ-2121, so technically these cars are similar. So, let's start the comparison.
Description, technical parameters, quality, engines, transmissions, etc.
When choosing a budget SUV, the main attention is paid to technical characteristics . The engine is the real heart of any car.
Their features are as follows:
- Both models have identical motors . The unit has 8 valves with a volume of 1.7 liters.
- Factory power is 83 hp. , torque 129 N.m. According to customer reviews, this is not always quite enough when driving over rough terrain.
- Both installed units comply with the Euro-5 standard . To achieve this, an electronic throttle valve is installed.
- Despite the different curb weights (Niva 1284 kg, Lada 1410 kg), fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 10 liters per 100 km . the path traveled.
Both motors are almost identical and behave identically in different operating modes. There is no talk of efficiency, since in urban mode the fuel consumption rate is about 14 liters . As the engine wears out under severe conditions, this figure increases to 17 hp.
The transmission of both cars is slightly different . The difference is this:
- Chevrolet has one lever for switching standard speeds, the second for controlling the transfer case. Model 2121 had three levers for control (separate for low gear and center lock). The first option is much easier to use.
- Lada 4x4 is inferior to its competitor in terms of insulation . In the Niva, much less vibration and noise is transmitted into the cabin, which ensures high comfort.
- In both cars, the gear shifts clearly , no crunching or other problems are observed immediately after shifting. Despite the similarity of designs, Niva’s box lasts much longer.
Important! In the Lada, you have to reach forward to engage fifth gear; in the far seat position, the driver is forced to lift his back from the seat.
The body of both cars is significantly different . The luggage compartment volume is 320 liters versus 265 for the Lada; it also loses in terms of power reserve - the tank volume is 58 liters versus 42 liters.
Many owners point out that the transfer case of the 2121, after several years of using the car, begins to make a lot of noise and vibrate .
Niva began installing an improved version, so the problem appears much later.
Buying a machine for various operating conditions
If you want to purchase a high-quality unit that can be used both for off-road and urban conditions, then the Chevrolet Niva is the ideal choice. There are more attractive safety systems and more comfortable seats.
Despite this, the standard Niva has several clear advantages.
- Niva 4x4 consumes about 2 liters less fuel than a Niva Chevrolet car.
- The installed technology is very simple and understandable.
- It is possible to use only the most necessary functions that do not break down for several years.
- The difference in pricing policy with a competitor is more than 100 thousand rubles.
- Niva 4x4 is very practical to use.
Of course, the cars are very good in many respects. However, you should choose one of the models not according to its technical characteristics (since they are almost the same), but according to what you need the car for. If you need an option for city trips, then choose the Chevrolet Niva; for off-road use, the Niva 4x4 is simply ideal.
Also interesting: Great Wall Sailor - Technical specifications. Chinese cars
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 :
- Geometric dimensions . The Lada's body is shorter, so when passing difficult sections the likelihood of getting stuck is significantly reduced.
- 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.
- The lighter weight of the Lada makes it more adventurous , even a few kilograms matter off-road, and this SUV is lighter.
- 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.
The Chevrolet is much easier to drive off-road . This is due to the fact that using three levers on a Lada is quite difficult. When driving both SUVs, the main thing is to choose the right gear, since stopping in the middle of a puddle, the engine power may not be enough.
In terms of technical characteristics and body geometry, the Lada slightly wins off-road . It is almost impossible to break its bumper, since metal is used in its manufacture.
Appearance
The Chevrolet Niva can hardly be called an incredibly beautiful SUV. The model’s appearance is more like a crossover, although the capabilities and cross-country ability fully correspond to the concept of a full-fledged SUV.
Soft lines, the absence of sharp and obtuse corners, neat optics, lean front and rear bumpers, solid glazing, roof rails and high wheel arches allow us to talk about fairly correct and rational decisions by the designers.
The appearance of the UAZ Patriot is brutal, monumental and sometimes rough. Here you can immediately see the features of a frame SUV, moreover, of the 80-90s type. It would be rash to say that the Patriot has some common features with the Gelendvagen, but the squareness of the body still suggests such thoughts.
It would be a good idea to compare the two cars by size.
Chevrolet Niva offers the following options:
- length 3919 mm. (without rear spare wheel);
- wheelbase 2450 mm;
- width 1800 mm;
- height 1652 mm;
- ground clearance from 200 to 240 mm.
The ground clearance decreases when fully loaded, but still does not fall below 200 mm.
As for the Patriot, it answers with the following figures (dimensions depend on the configuration):
- length from 4750 to 4785mm;
- height from 1910 to 2005 mm;
- width 1900 mm. (without mirrors);
- wheelbase 2760 mm;
- ground clearance 210 mm.
It is difficult to identify a favorite in the fight between the Niva and Patriot models based only on appearance. If you are attracted to a more urban and crossover body style, then take the Niva. If you want to get a brutal and aggressive design, the Patriot will be the priority option.
Which is better for driving around the city?
When comparing two cars, it's worth finding out how both cars behave on the highway . In this regard, Chevrolet wins in almost all respects. An example is the following:
- Better insulation in the cabin . Niva is classified as a higher class, so higher quality materials are used for finishing. When driving on the highway, there is simply a terrible hum in the Lada's cabin: the engine, tires, transfer case. Therefore, we cannot talk about comfortable movement over long distances.
- The shorter wheelbase and lighter weight of the Lada guarantee higher cross-country ability, but problems arise when driving on the highway or within the city. This is associated with a serious decrease in stability. Therefore, the 2121 model must be constantly kept on the road; a strong gust of wind can throw the car to the side.
- Niva is much softer . This is due to the modified suspension. At the time of the test, it performs better when turning.
More comfortable seats and better body geometry provide good visibility. This indicator is important when driving around the city.
Summarizing
From the above analysis, we saw that it is preferable in different road situations, a Chevrolet Niva or a Lada 4x4. And also what routes they were created for. So let's summarize it all.
Chevrolet Niva:
- high off-road qualities;
- comfortable interior, decent appearance;
- good options already included in the basic package;
- small trunk volume;
- lack of off-road tires in the manufacturer’s equipment;
- higher price and more expensive maintenance compared to VAZ-2131;
- a clear lack of power on the highway.
Test drive a Chevrolet Niva:
Lada Niva:
- high level of smoothness on the highway;
- the engine is more powerful than that of the Chevrolet;
- spacious, comfortable interior;
- large trunk volume;
- low price and maintenance costs;
- appearance is a C plus;
- slowness, off-road performance below average;
- low efficiency in fuel consumption;
- poor visibility of the mirrors overboard.
Test drive a Lada Niva:
What conclusion can we draw from the above comparison of Lada Niva vs Chevrolet Niva? And the conclusion is this: if you are attracted by extreme roads and are willing to overpay for additional equipment and comfort, buy Chevrolet Niva . The car perfectly combines comfort and off-road qualities. If your budget is limited and you are not drawn to gullies, Niva-2131 is your choice . Driving on a flat road is pure pleasure, reinforced by the thought of the money saved when buying a car.
Owners of the cars reviewed can supplement our comparative analysis with their observations in the comments. Good luck to everyone on the roads!
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:
- The instrument cluster for both models is almost the same . But Niva’s panel is much nicer and more convenient.
- 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.
- Both cars can be purchased with additional options .
What is better to choose, Chevrolet Niva or Niva 4x4? the whole truth about the most affordable SUVs.
In order to find a high-quality SUV that meets all the requirements, you really need to try. Finding a new car in particular is difficult. As for used cars, you can upgrade them in different ways, purchase an already improved model, or find an option that you simply won’t mind using off-road.
Finding a new car that is inexpensive and can easily cope with off-road conditions is very difficult. It is for this reason that many users pay attention to domestic car options, which are truly capable of meeting the needs of most users.
Spare parts and tires
Both cars are assembled on domestic assembly lines . The simpler design of the Lada has the advantage that spare parts are a little cheaper. Additional Niva options significantly increase maintenance costs. For example, you will have to periodically recharge your air conditioner.
At Niva, the factory installs Continental Conti Cross Contact AT , which bypasses the K-156 and Kama-232 in almost all respects. They provide higher cross-country ability and stability on the highway. Some car dealerships install other tires. They may differ in diameter, tread type and other parameters.
Safety
You shouldn’t expect an increased level of safety from any domestic SUV or crossover. UAZ Patriot failed to get high scores in the safety assessment, even in expensive trim levels. In slippery road conditions, due to the operation of the drive, the car moves at the expense of the rear drive wheels. Plus the body itself has far from optimal parameters.
Compared to the Patriot, the Chevrolet Niva looks like a more balanced car. Security systems are better designed here. The issue of body deformation in the event of serious accidents has also been thought out, which more reliably protects the driver and passengers.
