Two old men: comparison of Chevrolet Niva and Lada Niva

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.

Dealer happiness

Once upon a time, at the time of the formation of the joint project, GM had a strict policy - the new Niva should not be sold in the same car dealership as the old one. They were afraid that such a neighborhood would ruin the reputation of Chevrolet and have a bad effect on the image of the new product.

Now, after just a year and a half, the principles underlying sales have cracked. In Moscow (and, probably, in other cities as well), both Togliatti all-terrain vehicles are being sold together with might and main. It is curious that representatives of official centers that sell, in addition to the Chevrolet Niva, more expensive “Blazers” or “trail Blazers”, sometimes allow themselves skeptical statements about the Russian product. And “gray” dealers, so undesirable for the joint venture, on the contrary, often present the car as the pinnacle of achievements of the domestic automobile industry.

It’s not difficult to understand why the “grays” are so willing to sell Chevrolet Nivas. Firstly, these cars are noticeably better assembled than VAZs, GAZs and IZhi; their pre-sale preparation is less hassle. Secondly, they are more expensive, so the dealer can make money not only by installing an alarm system, anti-corrosion treatment and other additional services, but also by selling the car itself.

"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

Test results

Expert assessments were given based on a number of criteria.

Ergonomics. Vesta provides good planting geometry. XRAY is worse, despite adjusting the steering wheel for reach and a new seat. Niva is about the same level, but unless you are above average height (the range of seat adjustments is limited). But visibility is better (huge mirrors, powerful headlights). Vesta is let down by wide pillars, and XRAY is let down by small mirrors.

Dynamics. Vesta accelerates and turns more pleasantly than anyone else. The Niva is slow, but its connection to the gas pedal is much clearer than that of the more dynamic XRAY, which is uncomfortable to drive. Equal scores with the Niva for handling are associated only with the lack of a stabilization system on the Niva - the chassis itself is better tuned.

Ride comfort. Despite the additional sound insulation of the Cross version, XRAY turned out to be noisier than Vesta due to the disgusting sound of the engine. Niva in the “civilian” version without a snorkel does not frighten with unnecessary noise at all permitted speeds and is noticeably superior to Crosses in terms of smoothness.

Comfort in the cabin. Vesta is longer than the others and, as expected, wins over everyone in terms of rear space and trunk volume. And the compartment is well thought out. The Xray and Niva are all more modest, and the Chevrolet transformation is from the last century: to recline the backs of the rear seats, you first need to raise the pillows.

Do you agree with these assessments?

Also interesting: Crossover Seat Ateca FR: sporty image and new engine - Autoreview

Let us remind you that we previously talked about how the Lada Vesta Cross and Lada XRAY Cross withstood the Karakum route (9000 km).

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

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: The most reliable diesel engine - rating for Russia Video » AvtoNovator

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.

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 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?

Machine parts

To the undeniable advantages of the Chevrolet - a nice body with good aerodynamics, an updated suspension, an imported hydraulic booster, modern sound insulation - let's add a few non-obvious, but significant ones. This includes an effective ventilation and heating system with a cabin filter, better electrical wiring, and better corrosion resistance of the body.

The obvious disadvantage of the new Niva is the higher cost of the car and its subsequent maintenance. There are, of course, disadvantages that are not so obvious. These include a large shortage of some spare parts. Fortunately, this does not include consumables - pads, rubber bands, etc.

There is no point in giving a list of best-selling spare parts here. Firstly, by the time the magazine is published it will be outdated. Secondly, it’s almost a year since the manufacturer promises to take radical measures to solve the problem - they assure you that there won’t be long to wait.

There are features that are worth paying attention to when asking the price for a VAZ 2131. First of all, decide on the engine - injection or carburetor. The choice in favor of the latter today is motivated not only (and not so much) by a lower price. Against the backdrop of just over eight thousand, which the car will cost after anticorrosive treatment, installation of an alarm system and a radio, the difference of $200 is hardly significant. But the absence of a neutralizer and the ability to service the car in any provincial workshop may be important for the buyer.

In turn, an engine with distributed fuel injection pulls better “at the bottom”, allowing you to crawl uphill with a lower gear almost at idle speed. And such an engine has less appetite.

Read news about the new Niva

• The modernized Lada Niva Legend (4x4) 2021 was shown on the Internet
• Lada 4×4 Bronto - sales stopped, new details » Lada.Online - all the most interesting and useful about LADA cars
• Description of the instrument panel Lada 4×4 (VAZ 2121, 2131) » Lada.Online - all the most interesting and useful about LADA cars
• Chevrolet Niva gasoline consumption per 100 km
• Buy LADA (VAZ) 2131 (4×4) 2021 in Rostov-on-Don, low price for Lada 2131 (4×4) 2021 on the Avto.ru website
• Fuses Niva 21214 injector «
• The new large Lada 4×4 Niva “Bigster” 2021-2022 based on the Dacia Bigster was shown for the first time. The SUV has changed beyond recognition
• New Niva Chevrolet Lux 2021 - review of GLC equipment

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)

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

Similarities

First you need to understand that these models have quite a lot in common:

1. Roomy body that can be classified as a station wagon
2. Four doors for passengers and a rear door for loading
3. 5 seats
4. Track width front and rear 1430 and 1400 respectively
5. Engine with longitudinal cylinders
6. Five-speed manual transmission
7. Same brake system (discs + drums)