Which is better: UAZ or Niva? The eternal dispute

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: Replacing the pan gasket for VAZ 21214

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.

Also interesting: Tire size for a field, all-season tires for a 4×4 field, mud tires, the best winter tires for r16 wheels

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:

1. Both models have identical motors. The unit has 8 valves with a volume of 1.7 liters.
2. The factory power is 83 hp, torque 129 N.m. According to customer reviews, this is not always quite enough when driving over rough terrain.
3. Both installed units comply with the Euro-5 standard. To achieve this, an electronic throttle valve is installed.
4. 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.

Also interesting: How to bleed the brakes of a Niva Chevrolet

The transmission of both cars is slightly different. The difference is this:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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.

The build quality of both cars is average. When considering which is better, Niva 4x4 or Niva Chevy, it is worth considering that the second option is more comfortable and of higher quality. Chevrolet is considered a higher quality model; engineers have worked well on sound insulation.

Luaz or Niva

gamodril 03/07/2009 — 12:10

A person who had experience driving my LUAZer went to a sobbing session in his Niva the other day. I drowned him and barely pulled him out, and only with outside help. I’m used to it, he speaks on your bucket-wheeler, I thought the field would get through. And once we went to places where only timber trucks filled the tracks. They hit and broke. We decided to go back along the clear path. We got out without any problems. Well, a little adrenaline, of course, let us get into the seats, but we got out. Then in the city we met some guys on the pill, they left there after us. The muffler is torn off, the barrel is jammed. We ask where is this? Damn it, we decided to follow your rut! There was also some funny stuff on the way there. We were driving, and the road ahead was washed out, the stream rose, it was spring. In our area, in the spring, the ice on the rivers explodes due to flooding. Yakutia blah. So there was a hole there, like they were digging under a LUAZer. And there’s a guy standing in front of her in an UAZ, blue in the trash, with a melancholy over his shoulder. We arrived and said hello, and they poured him some vodka. He says he’s waiting for a friend, he wounded a deer and went after him. We ask: Where is the ford? He replies: if you stand so straight and drive, there is a ford. Well, we naive souls did not check. Our mountain streams are higher than our knees and are being carried away by the current. We just got out of the car to make it easier. The most experienced person was left behind the wheel. We'll cross the wide area on foot. I see my Louise slowly diving down, and so there is water through the hood. And then he jumps onto the road up the hill at full throttle, so that the front wheels leave the ground. The awning was splashed all over the top. The man stands there with his eyes widened. This is a tank! I’m saying that I actually decided to make fun of tourists, this is the first time I’ve seen you here. If anything, I would pull out your box with the UAZ. He himself says he’s pissing to climb there. Luckily we met a deer on this side. And we walked another 200 km along that road and returned back without pushing once. Three of us took 80kg of grayling on fishing rods. The method worked. Although I’m not very tall, swampers are up to my balls. If I cross the river and the bolts are dry, Louise passes by. The guys on Niva also went there with us. Along the highway all the way we were under…they pushed us forward, and then they whined: They’ll wait for you for a while… But when we got onto the country road, the picture was absolutely the opposite. They stood at the first stream. We go back and ask: what’s the matter? They say: Fuck you, extreme sports people. We'll look for fish here. Once in his life he drowned his Louise, and then out of his own stupidity. I got used to her running everywhere, so I rushed across the river, following the trail. I drive into the river and see that there are signs of an entry, but there is no exit on the other side. There was water up to the glass. It turned out that jeepers from the surrounding dachas washed their cars there. We waited for the guys in the Datsun. They pulled us out into the lungs. I drained 3 liters of water from the tank and poured it through the hole in the tank lid. There is a tricky bolt on the bottom of the tank. We stood there for a while, smoked, started the car from the starter, and then drove off. I’m telling you, for where he helped me out, I forgive him everything. Well, you have to raise your voice at speed. But a tank! By the way, on the fourth without load, he almost doesn’t growl, he farts with pleasure.

Lada 4×4

This is an equally popular model of the domestic SUV from AvtoVAZ. The car is also quite durable, capable of conquering any target. Most of those who own older versions of the Niva claim that cars assembled in the 80s will easily last another 10-15 years.

The modern Niva also has a lot of serious advantages.

• This is a 1.7-liter injection engine with a power of 83 horsepower, the only “but” is that the engine has practically not been modified since its inception.
• Five-speed manual – no complaints here, the gearbox is very reliable, but it does not add dynamics to the crossover.
• The transfer case is made in the form of a manual mechanism, but it works without any problems. Naturally, since this is a crossover, the ground clearance here is also high, but still less than on UAZs.

Which is better, Niva or UAZ? In this regard, the latter wins. But let's return to Niva.

The small wheelbase gives the SUV additional advantages. VAZ also offers a model with five doors, but it is not so popular due to strange settings and the same behavior of the car. The base model is reasonably priced, but it's not the most affordable option.

Dimensions and body shapes

There are external differences. UAZ has a classic five-door body. "Patriot" is a heavy frame SUV - the weight of the vehicle is more than two tons, and the length is more than four meters.

“Patriot” is more than two meters high. “Niva” boasts much more modest dimensions, but its design is more attractive. The trunk of the UAZ Patriot SUV is also huge; four passengers can fit on the back seat, while only three can sit in the Niva, and even then without much comfort. Those for whom a compact body is important will buy a Niva.

Design

If we compare which is better - UAZ or Niva in terms of design, then Niva is much more beautiful and neater. There is nothing superfluous here. The body parts are executed at a high level, there is good light. Many body parts are coated with zinc.

Also interesting: Niva Chevrolet front suspension

"Patriot" is more solid. But this appearance is only for those who love everything big, angular and bulky. But the bodywork is not so good. The manufacturing quality of body parts is significantly lower than that of the Niva, as noted by reviews.

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.

Also interesting: Engine tuning | Technical center NIVA777

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.

Due to the higher ground clearance, thresholds are installed on the UAZ for the convenience of boarding passengers.

Similar thresholds can be installed on the Niva, but this is more likely for aesthetic reasons.

Which car is better off-road?

Over the years of the existence of these cars, many tests were carried out, where Niva and UAZ vehicles showed themselves in action. By the way, here is a video about off-road driving with the participation of Niva and Hunter:

But as practice shows, in all tests a lot depends on the gasket between the seat and the steering wheel, and on its experience. Another important factor is what tires are installed on the car. If the cars have approximately the same tires, and approximately the same drivers behind the wheel, then they will show approximately similar results on off-road, that is, they will drive equally far into the forest.

The most important thing to remember when overcoming off-road conditions is that it is important not to sit on your belly or on bridges, that is, not to allow the car to bury itself. If you feel that the wheels are starting to slip and the car is standing still, then there is no need to continue pressing on the gas. We must try to go backwards, then forward again.

By the way, thanks to its lighter weight, the Niva has a greater chance of not getting stuck.

Niva: advantages and disadvantages

To begin with, let’s highlight the obvious advantages of the Niva compared to the UAZ:

• small weight;
• low fuel consumption;
• small dimensions;
• relatively high level of comfort;
• greater ground clearance (by a couple of centimeters).

Now let's list the disadvantages:

• lack of frame;
• smaller safety margin of main components;
• small trunk;
• low engine power (although it is enough for the Niva’s mass).

Of course, the Niva has many other advantages and disadvantages compared to the UAZ. Now let's talk about the Ulyanovsk SUV.

Niva tuning

What to choose: UAZ or Niva?

This question is of interest, first of all, to those who want to buy an inexpensive SUV. The closest foreign analogue of these Russian cars will cost no less than 250-300 thousand rubles in decent condition, so many do not even consider them. In addition, almost all modern SUVs are designed more for the city than for off-road use. Therefore, in terms of cross-country ability, they, for the most part, will obviously lose to the old Nivas and UAZs. So, let’s compare UAZ vs. Niva on off-road, as well as in terms of reliability and maintainability. Let's highlight the pros and cons of each car. Let's start with Niva.

Niva: advantages and disadvantages

To begin with, let’s highlight the obvious advantages of the Niva compared to the UAZ:

• small weight;
• low fuel consumption;
• small dimensions;
• relatively high level of comfort;
• greater ground clearance (by a couple of centimeters).

Now let's list the disadvantages:

• lack of frame;
• smaller safety margin of main components;
• small trunk;
• low engine power (although it is enough for the Niva’s mass).

Of course, the Niva has many other advantages and disadvantages compared to the UAZ. Now let's talk about the Ulyanovsk SUV.

Niva tuning

UAZ: pros and cons

So, the advantages (compared to Niva):

• frame structure;
• higher strength, reliability and maintainability;
• dependent suspension (often it is better than independent suspension on off-road);
• more powerful engine.

Main disadvantages:

• outdated construction and design;
• low level of comfort;
• poor interior;
• high fuel consumption;
• weak dynamics.

Again, the UAZ has many other pros and cons.

UAZ on Ya-192 tires

Which is better for off-roading: UAZ or Niva?

The following answer can be given to this question: If you need a purely all-terrain vehicle, then take the UAZ. And if you need a universal car that is suitable for both the city and off-road, then the Niva is the best choice. While the UAZ behaves well in severe off-road conditions, it is not very comfortable in the city or on the highway, although it feels quite confident in this situation. The Niva, on the contrary, is well suited for the city, a little worse for the highway, but on rough terrain it will be inferior to the UAZ in terms of all its characteristics.

Niva does not always lose to UAZ

And one more thing: UAZ is much easier to tune than Niva. We are talking specifically about off-road modifications: lifting, power bumpers, winch, wheels of increased diameter. All thanks to the frame structure and high strength of the main components. A simple example: if a UAZ can safely tolerate an increase in engine power, a significant increase in body weight and the installation of large wheels, then for a Niva only the installation of larger diameter wheels can lead to the fact that some suspension and transmission parts will become consumables.

The purpose of the UAZ and Niva

An important factor is that the UAZ Hunter was originally created as an army vehicle. It has a reliable frame design. Then it was called UAZ 469, people call it “goat” or “bobby” to this day.

As for the Niva, it was created as a civilian car. It has a different design - without a frame, and the body is load-bearing. But the main purpose of the Niva is driving on broken country roads and in places where there are no roads at all.

Since the UAZ is a military vehicle, it has less comfort than the Niva, but its off-road qualities are slightly higher. The frame design demonstrates its advantages off-road.

Prices for Niva and UAZ

Lada Niva is cheaper than UAZ Hunter. If we consider new cars, the Niva costs 465,000 rubles, and the Hunter costs 609,000 rubles. There are promotions when the basic configuration of the UAZ Hunter is sold for 490,000 rubles. There are also more advanced configurations - “Pobednaya”, which costs 670,000 rubles, but with a promotion it can be purchased for 550,000. There is also an off-road “Trophy” series, it costs the same.

It will also be interesting to read: UAZ Hunter Expedition: the most passable UAZ for a million rubles

But the cost of these cars on the secondary market is approximately the same; you can find good options even up to 100,000 rubles. So if you suddenly decide to go hunting or fishing, then you can take a Niva or UAZ with mileage and feel free to use them for these purposes. As for the trunk capacity, Hunter’s is clearly larger, so there will be room to put trophies.

But we must remember that these cars have long been obsolete, they do not use any modern technologies, which is quite sad and not interesting. But for driving through mud, hunting or fishing trips, these are the best options; you don’t even mind drowning these cars in the mud. Of course, if we are talking about old and inexpensive used cars.

For those who want to see something modern in their Niva, it makes sense to take a closer look at the Chevrolet Niva or the new Niva Urban. Another good thing about Niva and UAZ vehicles is that there are no problems with spare parts and repairs. Any more or less experienced service station employee knows how to repair these cars.

Specifications

The differences become most noticeable when directly comparing the two machines. So, the cars use gasoline as fuel, they have the same body type - SUV, but Bronto has a 3-door version.

The gearboxes in both cases are mechanical, five-position.

Both Chevrolet and Lada have all-wheel drive, always on.

The engine volume is equivalent - 1,690 cubic centimeters. But in terms of power, the Bronto’s engine is better - 83 horsepower, while the competitor’s is 80. Accordingly, the first car has more torque - 129 Nm, versus 127.

The Lada's gas tank is smaller - 42 liters. Niva has a capacity of 58 liters. The latter has another difference - a spacious trunk - 320 liters, while Bronto has 265.

The product of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant accelerates to hundreds in 18 seconds, and Chevrolet requires 19.

Other characteristics are also noticeably different. So, in particular:

• Bronto weighs 1,285 kg, and Niva - 1,410;
• Body, respectively, 3,740 mm and 4,056 mm;
• height – 3,740 mm versus 4,056;
• wheelbase - 2,200 and 2,450 mm.

The VAZ Niva weighs less, and in general it’s difficult to call such a compact car an SUV; the Niva is a compact 3-door crossover with increased cross-country ability. The Niva's weight is only 1850 kg, and its ground clearance is 22 cm. Hunter's ground clearance is 21 cm.

UAZ Hunter is a classic frame 5-door SUV with springs. Its height is more than 2 meters, which is 40 cm more than that of the Niva. The weight of the UAZ, depending on the configuration, exceeds 2.5 tons. The heavy weight of a car can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Also interesting: Niva generator transfer bracket drawing

In skillful hands, such a jeep will cling better to solid soil, but in inept hands, such a heavy jeep can easily bury itself. Despite the number of doors, both Hunter and Niva can easily accommodate 5 passengers along with the driver. But, it is clear that disembarkation and embarkation of passengers is more convenient in the UAZ.

And it’s also interesting: UAZ or Niva: which is better?

Technical specifications

To put it simply, the Niva is a light SUV, but taking into account modern terminology, it is even an all-terrain crossover. Carrying a three-door station wagon body, a wishbone independent front suspension and a low weight of 1850 kilos. In addition to this, the Niva is quite compact, which is appreciated in dense city traffic. Oddly enough, the ground clearance of the VAZ brainchild is even greater than that of the Hunter - 22 cm versus 21.

According to its main parameters, Hunter can be considered a classic SUV with a frame structure, a five-door body and leaf spring suspension. The height of the UAZ is a little over 2 meters, but the Niva is 40 cm lower and shorter. The UAZ weighs about two and a half tons (depending on the configuration), which is a somewhat controversial advantage: in one situation it will help to grip “solid ground”, in another it will only land the SUV deeper in the mud.

Both cars can accommodate 5 passengers including the driver, but the presence of two more doors makes the UAZ much more convenient for getting people on and off.

In terms of power plants, there is parity between the cars: both SUVs offer only one engine. The UAZ is driven by a 2.7-liter engine with a capacity of 128 horsepower, the Niva is driven by a 1.7-liter gasoline engine with 83 horsepower.

Please note that the word “dynamics” is practically not applicable to these cars: if the Niva accelerates to a hundred in 19 seconds, then the Hunter will need 35 for this.

If fuel consumption is important to you, then you should prefer the Niva: it consumes 8.3 liters in the combined cycle, while the Hunter consumes more than 13 liters per hundred.

Both cars are equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. But their drive is different: the UAZ has a plug-in front axle, while the brainchild of the VAZ has permanent all-wheel drive. Another advantage of the Niva is the locking of the center differential, which significantly increases the vehicle’s cross-country ability.

UAZ or Niva?

It's hard to say which is better - the UAZ Hunter or Niva. Both SUVs are sold in the same price class and have almost the same technical characteristics for conquering off-road terrain. However, this is not all that modern drivers need. It is necessary to take into account quality indicators, reliability levels, as well as endurance.

"Niva" is more popular in all respects. However, the model from UAZ also has a lot of fans. Among the differences that the UAZ has, several can be highlighted (while the Niva does not have any).

• UAZ is larger. There is also more space for cargo and passengers.
• The Hunter's off-road qualities are significantly higher than the Niva's.
• The wheel arches on the UAZ are quite large, which means the owner has the opportunity to install larger wheels. The ground clearance is already high - there is no need to raise the car additionally and remodel the chassis.
• The metal is made using military technology, the suspension is reliable even under harsh operating conditions.

And now it seems that the question of which is better, Niva or UAZ, has been resolved with the victory of UAZ, but no.

The Niva is more compact and will pass where the UAZ would get stuck due to its greater mass. The smaller wheelbase will perform well in any conditions. Fuel consumption is also significantly lower. There is some comfort, but still comfort.

Don't forget about the price. Niva is cheaper. Therefore, if you choose between these two models, you should give preference to the Niva. And if you still have to drive in the city, then definitely a VAZ. If we compare which is better - the Chevrolet Niva or the UAZ Hunter, then without any talk or doubt the UAZ wins, but only in terms of cross-country ability. If you need comfort, the choice is obvious.

UAZ or Niva: differences in suspension design

The UAZ Hunter has a dependent leaf spring suspension, which is distinguished by its reliability when driving on mud and stones, but on the other hand, there is a complete lack of comfort. That is why this car is called the “goat”.

Below is a video about how a UAZ overcomes a puddle:

Compared to the Hunter, the ride on the Niva is softer, since the suspension here is different: independent in the front and dependent in the rear. In addition, the Niva also has power steering, ABS brakes and emergency brake assist.

The interior has a fabric interior and power accessories have been added to the front doors, but otherwise the car remains the same as it was 20 years ago. Among the options is only a cigarette lighter, and what else is needed for a comfortable ride on the harsh Russian off-road.

It will also be interesting to read: SUV for 1,000,000 rubles under 10 years of age, which one to choose

As for the UAZ Hunter, its finishing is even more modest, but there is an opportunity to make tuning based on your taste preferences. Typically, Hunter owners purchase a winch, a protective bumper or a guardrail, and also install an additional trunk or gas tank. Since this is an off-road vehicle, it is usually made as functional as possible for off-road driving.

UAZ: pros and cons

So, the advantages (compared to Niva):

• frame structure;
• higher strength, reliability and maintainability;
• dependent suspension (often it is better than independent suspension on off-road);
• more powerful engine.

Main disadvantages:

• outdated construction and design;
• low level of comfort;
• poor interior;
• high fuel consumption;
• weak dynamics.

Again, the UAZ has many other pros and cons.

UAZ on Ya-192 tires

Ride quality and maneuverability

Both cars are not intended for racing. Niva cannot boast of high dynamics - its engine is not designed for racing. However, the car goes through road bumps softly and smoothly, which is good news. But you shouldn’t expect miracles off-road. Therefore, if someone is wondering which is better in terms of off-road capability - the UAZ or the Niva, then there is no need to think - they should take the UAZ.

Driving the Patriot, you can immediately feel the power of its 2.7-liter engine. However, the suspension is stiff and you can feel it all when conquering gullies. The salon is quite noisy. The steering wheel is large, but the car is controlled quite easily. The car's cross-country ability is excellent - through mud, through snow, where there are no roads at all, this car just goes.

It's hard to say which is better - Niva or UAZ Patriot. You cannot compare these machines - they are initially different and intended for different purposes. Those who prefer more compact sizes choose Niva. Dirt lovers choose Patriot.

Handling and maneuverability

You can choose what is best for a particular buyer, taking into account the requirements for Chevrolet Niva and UAZ Patriot cars, as well as their operating conditions.

If you want to get a confident, extremely durable and reliable off-road vehicle, the best option is the frame UAZ Patriot. It overcomes deeper fords, has solid ground clearance and a suspension adapted to difficult conditions.

Also interesting: Niva Laura: technical specifications and booking procedure

At the same time, the Chevrolet Niva is not particularly inferior. Ground clearance from 200 to 240 mm. bears fruit. Plus, as it turned out, Chevrolet’s approach and departure angles were greater. Here the numbers turned out to be 37 and 35 for Chevrolet versus 35 and 30 for Patriot.

But the problem with a completely domestic SUV produced by UAZ is that this car behaves extremely unsteadily in urban conditions. It makes no sense to buy a Patriot as a city car for very rare trips on difficult roads. You will lose significantly in terms of comfort, you will constantly complain about the stiffness of the suspension and its poor behavior on asphalt. Management is far from exemplary.

With its good off-road characteristics, the Chevrolet Niva is a more urban car. Therefore, you can drive it equally comfortably on flat asphalt areas, go into nature, and overcome difficult off-road obstacles.

Therefore, first clearly define the goals and objectives facing the machine. Given the dominance of urban use, it’s definitely worth taking a Chevrolet. If the car is bought for fishing, hunting, or regular trips to bad roads, then the UAZ Patriot will be the best choice for such a situation.

Conclusion

When choosing between Niva or UAZ, you must first decide what you need the car for. If you live in a rural area and rarely go into the city, then an UAZ is better suited here. The same is true if you buy a second car purely for off-road use, and for the city you have some kind of comfortable sedan. Those. UAZ is preferable in cases where the car is needed purely for off-road use.

The Niva is a compromise between cross-country ability and versatility. Yes, it often loses to UAZ off-road, but not always. For example, on sticky soils, where the UAZ gets stuck due to its high mass, the light Niva rides calmly. But still, the Niva is better suited for those who need one car both for trips around the city and for forays into nature.

Write in the comments what you think about comparing Niva and UAZ!

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