Niva 4x4 or Niva Chevrolet - which is better?

• October 6, 2018
• Cars
• Svetlana Lingovskaya

The Niva car is a record-breaking vehicle. 20 years ago, it was this car that first rose to a height of 5.2 km above sea level, reaching the base camp on Everest. The car also conquered the North Pole (it was dropped from a parachute and reached the “top” of the globe). Niva also took third place in the Paris-Dakar rally marathon.

Don’t know which Niva is better: short or long? We invite you to familiarize yourself with the features of the vehicle model range and characteristics. We will also consider vehicle maneuverability and technical parameters.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Niva car

The Niva car is the first independent development of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant. The machine has been in mass production since 1977. It is very popular not only among Russian motorists, but also abroad (France, Canada, Spain, Portugal). Before deciding which is better: a short or long Niva, it’s worth considering the advantages of the car.

Advantages of the VAZ vehicle:

• ride comfort thanks to independent front suspension;
• the ability to overcome difficult terrain (off-road, sand, deep snow and mud);
• good maneuverability and cross-country ability (even a stream up to 50 cm deep can pass);
• affordable cost and availability of cars;
• relatively cheap repairs in case of breakdown (all parts are in stock).

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting cleaning the front wheel brakes, especially when driving in mud. Adhered dirt, which is not washed out on its own, can significantly disrupt the operation of the car. For cleaning, the wheels must be removed with a jack. It is also worth paying attention to the ball joint covers. If there are cracks, they require replacement, otherwise driving becomes dangerous.

The fastening of the front axle gearbox deserves special attention. When the car is overloaded or driven off-road, the fastenings of this unit become loose and the rear part may break off. The disadvantages include the presence of vibration of the vehicle at a speed of 80-90 km/h.

Model range of the Niva brand

There are several models in the Niva family of cars that differ not only in size, but also in technical characteristics. We suggest you familiarize yourself with them before deciding which Niva is better: short or long.

Model range from the VAZ plant:

• VAZ-2121 – basic model, which was produced until 1994 (engine capacity 1.6 l);
• VAZ-21211 – an export version, produced until the early 80s (engine capacity 1.3 liters, which allowed foreigners to avoid unnecessary taxation of the vehicle);
• VAZ-21212 - a regular model, but the steering wheel is located on the right (for export to England);
• VAZ-21213 - a slightly modified model of the VAZ-2121 (engine capacity 1.7 liters and a more powerful clutch);
• VAZ-21214 - the previous model, but without a carburetor on the engine (instead there is a General Motors central fuel injection unit);
• VAZ-2117 - almost identical model to the VAZ-21213;
• VAZ-21218 is a long car model (25-30 cm longer than the base model) with a wide doorway;
• VAZ-2129 is a three-door model from the category of long modifications;
• VAZ-2130 - differs from the previous model in that the rear seat is moved forward by 30 cm, thus increasing the space for the trunk and a wide seat for more than five people;
• VAZ-2131 is a five-door model, which is identical in parameters to the previous two varieties;
• VAZ-21312 and VAZ-21312-01 - engine capacity is 1.8 liters, two fuel tanks.

Interior features of popular Niva models

The most popular models of the Volzhsky Automobile Plant are considered to be VAZ-2131, 21218 and 21213. It is impossible to say that a short or long Niva is better. Here everyone chooses a model based on their needs and desires. Let's look at the features of the interior of these models, which will help you make a choice.

The front of these cars is the same. It will be difficult for a driver with long legs to fit in a short model (VAZ-21213). There is clearly not enough space. Although the front seats can be pulled out, if three people sit in the back, then the driver will feel very cramped. In addition, this model has a somewhat narrow doorway, as motorists note. It is also worth noting that there is small space for luggage, so you should not consider this car as a cargo carrier.

The VAZ-21218 has a wider doorway, the wheelbase is increased by 30 cm, so three people can easily and comfortably fit in the rear. This car is quite roomy and has plenty of space for luggage. These parameters make it an excellent option for long journeys. The only inconvenience is the massive doors that not everyone can close.

The VAZ-2131 is a five-door long car that outperforms previous models in terms of comfort inside the car. At the back there is a fairly large and comfortable sofa that can easily accommodate three people. If you fold it, the car turns into a cargo version, you can transport things of different sizes.

Off-road properties

Let's take a look at what off-road properties these two models are classified as SUVs:

1. All-wheel drive with a center differential lock
2. The presence of high ground clearance, which in both cars is at least 200 millimeters
3. The angle of the ramp, here the long Niva is inferior to the Frenchman, since the length of its body is longer, the length also plays a role when turning, and the shorter the length, the larger the turning radius will be.

Both SUVs feel short on horsepower. The Chevy has lower fuel consumption, a much better interior, you feel more comfortable in it, the outside mirrors have better visibility, and the body is galvanized.

Chevrolet Niva

• The cabin is more comfortable
• Modern look
• Not a large trunk volume
• Higher price and service
• Lack of horsepower

Also interesting: Liquids used and filling volumes Niva VAZ 21213, 21214, 2131 lada 4×4 “

Regular Niva

• More powerful engine
• Handles better on the highway
• Larger luggage compartment volume
• Inexpensive service
• Consumes more gasoline
• Side mirror visibility is poor

Despite all the pros and cons of both cars, they find their buyer, since everyone proceeds from their own needs, and decides for themselves which advantages and disadvantages are more important to him.

Maneuverability of different Niva models

An important and main advantage that the short Niva has over the long one is the maneuverability of the car, that is, the nature of the car’s behavior on the road. This factor should be taken into account when choosing.

The short model (VAZ-21213) feels confident on the road, turns around on almost any roadway and does not create problems when parking the car. You need to adapt to the VAZ-21218 car. It is somewhat longer in size, so you need to be careful when maneuvering on the road.

The five-door long model VAZ-2131 is considered the least maneuverable. It is clumsy and its ride is somewhat similar to that of a bus. Drivers also note poor rear visibility and poor steering feel.

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.

Also interesting: Reverse gear of VAZ 2112 does not work

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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqmbl37i1kU

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

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• Niva 2121, Niva 2131 and Niva Chevrolet. Let's compare?
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• There is an opinion: test Lada 4×4 Urban 5 doors.
• Clutch adjustment on Niva 21214 - Online reference book to help the car owner - looking for and fixing faults
• How to eliminate vibration of the VAZ-21213 transfer case
• Fuses and relays (location and purpose of fuses and relays) Niva Chevrolet "
• Mud tires for Niva 4x4: radius 15 and 16 - which one is better to install "

Features of the movement of different modifications of the Niva

If you take a Niva car for driving around the city, then the best option would be the VAZ-21213 and 21218 brands. When driving a five-door Niva (VAZ-2131), you will have to clearly control the car while driving, especially when parking or changing lanes in a row.

But it is also worth taking into account the quality of the road surface on which the car will drive. The short model (VAZ-21213) reacts sensitively to holes and potholes on the road. Passengers in the back, and the driver himself, will jump on any bumps on the road. If you are still inclined to purchase a short Niva model, you should also pay attention to the VAZ-21215 and 21214.

The VAZ-21218 behaves somewhat calmer on such a roadway, but is inferior in maneuverability to the previous model. The VAZ-2131, due to its massive dimensions, does not react at all to the characteristics of the road surface; even when driving on a large number of holes and potholes, passengers inside the cabin are unlikely to feel it. The movement will always be smooth.

Advantages of a short Niva compared to a VAZ-2131

So, let’s list the obvious advantages of the short-wheelbase Niva:

• permeability;
• maneuverability;
• dynamics;
• body rigidity;
• less consumption;
• less weight.

Appearance of the “old” and updated Niva
All these advantages stem from the short wheelbase and low weight of the LADA 4×4. Now let's look at the long Niva.

Thanks to the extended base and increased weight, the SUV has the following advantages:

• road stability;
• smooth ride;
• comfort;
• spacious back row, comfortable seating;
• spacious trunk;
• larger tank volume (65 liters instead of 42 liters on the short Niva);
• large load capacity.

Long wheelbase Niva

The disadvantages of the short Niva follow from the advantages of the long one: poor handling on the highway, low level of comfort, cramped interior, etc. Accordingly, the disadvantages of the VAZ-2131 follow from the advantages of a short-wheelbase SUV: worse cross-country ability, dynamics, maneuverability, higher consumption.

The worse cross-country ability of the VAZ-2131 is justified solely by the extended wheelbase and greater (by about 150-200 kg) weight. Those. If we compare the cross-country ability of these two vehicles on dense soils in the absence of high or deep transverse obstacles (ruts, hillocks, ditches), then in terms of cross-country ability the VAZ-2131 will be only slightly inferior to the VAZ-2121.

Features of off-road driving

When considering a car from the point of view of which Niva is better: short or long, it is worth taking into account the factor where and how the vehicle will be used. The VAZ-21213 is considered the most successful option for driving around the city. But this model also copes well with off-road driving. For example, if you need to move over a large hillock, the VAZ-21213 and even the VAZ-21218 will move it without difficulty, since such cars are small in size. A longer model (VAZ-2131) may not cope with a wide protrusion when driving off-road, although it will not shake passengers so much on the way.

The models also differ in curb weight. The engine power of the popular Niva brands is the same, but the lightest and shortest car, the VAZ-21213, has the best specific performance. At the same time, the VAZ-21218 is not too different from this model.

Steep and slippery slopes, deep ditches and hillocks make driving the VAZ-2131 very difficult. It is long, so it may not cope with this type of road surface.

Which Niva is better?

VAZ-21213 (short model) is considered a universal soldier for driving on different types of road surfaces. It has the least weight and is maneuverable, but you will have to sacrifice some comfort. It is impractical and not suitable for long journeys (little space in the car interior, as well as a small luggage compartment). At the same time, its cost is low, and the car is quite suitable for a small family of three people.

The universal and most suitable option is the VAZ-21218. It is more comfortable, there is enough space for luggage, and it feels good on the road. It can be used for driving not only around the city, but also off-road, going hunting, fishing or traveling with the family. If you can’t decide which Niva is better: short or long, choose this average option.

The five-door Niva (VAZ-2131) is a real large cruiser, most often it is used as a cargo vehicle. It can handle any road, and neither passengers nor the driver will feel any inconvenience. But it is quite difficult to drive, especially when driving around the city, where more maneuverable cars are chosen.

Niva Chevrolet

This model has an updated and modern design, and the ride on it is much more comfortable compared to the regular model.

Its main advantages are as follows:

1. Successful and modern design;
2. Better passive safety;
3. More comfort while driving. The driver's position is quite comfortable, there is less vibration and extraneous noise;
4. The power unit is installed from Niva and slightly modified, with a volume of 1.7 liters and 80 horsepower;
5. Rigid body, and thicker side members than a regular Niva;
6. Excellent aerodynamics and spacious interior;
7. The suspension is spring type, the rear part has a dependent variation, and the front part has an independent one;
8. Feels great off-road.

This car is suitable for long-distance driving and performs well on harsh off-road conditions. Shevik combines two important qualities: high functionality and good comfort. The disadvantages include a weak engine and high fuel consumption, which is about 14 liters per hundred. Many are also concerned about the type of drive on the Chevrolet Niva, the answer is very simple, it is equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, a transfer case that has several functions, and also has a locking differential between the wheels.

To summarize, we can conclude that if you need a car for driving mainly off-road, comfort is not very important, and appearance then you should choose a regular Niva 4X4. If, on the contrary, you are going to drive more often on asphalt roads, then it is better to opt for the Niva Chevrolet.

Distinctive features of the long Niva

Based on reviews of the Niva, short or long, which is better to choose? Most motorists are inclined to the maneuverable VAZ-21213 model. It has clear advantages in many respects, including price, but is not suitable for everyone. It is worth noting that a long model can also be comfortable, convenient and practical.

Advantages of the five-door extended model VAZ-2131:

• the length of the car is 50 cm longer than standard VAZ models;
• combined cardan transmission;
• wide doorway, comfortable and comfortable seating;
• The rear door windows open completely;
• large and roomy sofa in the back seat;
• the cargo compartment is 383 liters, which allows you to transport things of different sizes (if the rear seats are folded, even a wardrobe and refrigerator can fit).