Which is better 2131 urban or Chevrolet Niva. Which Niva is better, long or short: dimensions, dimensions, technical characteristics, comparison and the right choice

Global and domestic giants of the automotive industry. Their joint product

The Chevrolet Niva is produced in Togliatti in a joint venture between GM and the domestic giant. In fact, this machine is the result of development by Russian designers. The car received the emblem of the Chevrolet brand, part of the GM concern, after the creation of a joint venture with the Volzhsky Automobile Plant in 2001. Since September 23, 2002, Chevrolet has been mass-produced on the plant's production lines.

Essentially, this is a cross-country passenger car. It is driven by an engine with a displacement of 1700 cc. cm . and a power of 79 l . With. Cross-country ability is ensured by permanent all-wheel drive and a manual variable gearbox.

The model range has 6 trim levels. The lower limit of cost without taking into account possible discounts is 680,000 rubles. The upper limit is 810,000 rubles .

Closest relative from the USSR

Niva 2131 is a 5-door and extended modification of the very famous and worthy 3-door Niva 2121. It is produced at the Volzhsky Automobile Plant and has been mass produced since March 1993.

The car belongs to the class of vehicles with increased cross-country ability. The range of installed power units is represented by 1 engine. Its volume is 1.7 liters with a power of 83 horsepower . This unit works in tandem with a manual transmission.

Equipping this station wagon with permanent all-wheel drive allowed it to set records for cross-country ability. Not surprising, because the 2131 is intended, first of all, to move across terrain inaccessible to conventional vehicles.

Sellers offer a choice of 3 configurations at prices starting from 557,900 rubles. up to 613,900 rubles for a regular Niva 2131. The city version will be more expensive and will cost 620,900 rubles.

Eventually

As a result, everything comes down again to tasks. If the goal is to get there and there is only one driver and passenger in the cabin, then the short Niva wins, it is light, small, nimble due to its weight, maneuverable, and can jump on any curb in the city. It’s like a small car in size, it’s easy to park, and even if there are very small children in the family, then the three-door version is just right, because the baby won’t fall out or accidentally open the door. On the five-door version there is no automatic locking, and a child can easily open the door. This is such a lyrical digression.

Short or long Niva - which is better? If comfort comes first, if the volume of the fuel tank, a large trunk and the convenience of rear passengers are important, but cross-country ability is a slight disadvantage, then you should give preference to a five-door car.

It would be best to take both cars for a test drive, drive each, sit inside the cabin both as a passenger and as a driver, and only then make a choice.

We talked a lot about cars of the Lada-Niva family on the pages of Autoreview. Moreover, all three heroes of our story today have already been in the hands of Autoreview experts and received a separate publication. But today we decided to arrange a “confrontation” of these cars, believing that a comparison of the consumer qualities of popular Togliatti SUVs will certainly be of interest to many. What did the long-wheelbase BA3-2131 gain compared to the serial Niva? In what way is he losing to her? Is the car from ? Let's try to figure it out.

Since the layout of the front part of the cabin of all three cars is absolutely the same, let's look for differences behind the line of the B-pillars. Let's open the doors and try to sit in the back seat.

This is not easy to do on a production car: the narrow doorway, like a hatch, creates a lot of difficulties. No, the seats, of course, fold down to open the passage, but inconvenience is still guaranteed.

What common?

The general technical characteristics of these machines are:

Factories producing vehicles are located in the city of Togliatti, Samara region.
The working volume of the power units is identical and amounts to 1.7 liters.
The engines run on 95 gasoline.
Installed variable gearboxes are mechanical, with 5 gears.
Permanent all-wheel drive.
Both cars have high ground clearance.
They can be classified as a class of vehicles that can travel off-road.
The body design is designed to carry 5 people.
Air conditioning is not a basic option.

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:

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

The rapidly developing global automotive industry is forcing domestic manufacturers to improve their cars. The changes concern not only the appearance, but also design solutions.

So, in the second generation Chevrolet Niva (the release of which was planned back in 2020), the variator will be coupled with a transfer case and a lowering gearbox. It will also have a new engine with improved performance. It will be economical, simple, reliable and unpretentious to the quality of fuel poured into the tank. In addition, it will be 45 horsepower more powerful than its predecessor, which will make it easier to climb uphill. A rigid, restyled body and a new (differently tuned) suspension will give the Chevy Niva better handling, and a more powerful engine will make it easier to overtake on the highway. The design of the electric generator will also undergo changes.

And since 2014, LADA 4×4 Urban has been produced. In this three-door Niva, the designers made a number of changes that made driving it more comfortable.

But at the same time, the old model does not remain unchanged. Thus, since 2011, the LADA 2121 has been equipped with an ABS system, which has increased its safety. And in 2020, a new type of bearing began to be installed in the front hubs, which does not require periodic adjustment. The steering knuckle has also been improved, the front axle has an independent gearbox mount, and gas-filled shock absorbers.

Therefore, when answering the question of which is better - Chevrolet Niva or Niva 2121 - you need to proceed from the purpose of the car you are purchasing. If you plan to use it for fishing, hunting, in the forest, or off-road racing, then it is better to choose the Niva 2121. Moreover, the cost of its repair and modernization will not be much cheaper than the Chevy Niva.

If this is the only car in the family, then buy a Chevrolet Niva. In this case, it will satisfy existing needs much better.

For a long time, there have been three cars in Russia that are not afraid of off-road conditions: UAZ, Niva and LuAZ. And if the brainchild of the Lutsk Automobile Plant is no longer produced today, then the two remaining SUVs can be bought today “off the assembly line” without any problems.

Today we will tell you which of the “classic” off-road vehicles - UAZ Hunter or Niva 4x4 - is better suited for different situations and why each of them is valued.

Eye-catching differences

By comparing these automotive industry products in more detail, you can understand their differences:

The Volzhsky Automobile Plant produces Niva 2131 independently. The Chevrolet Niva is produced in a joint venture with GM.
The engine power is not the same. The extended version of the Niva 2121 has a more powerful engine. 83 horsepower versus 80.
Chevrolet's maximum torque is lower than that of 2131.
The fuel tank capacity of the 2131 differs by more than 10 percent and is 65 liters .
420 liters of usable space in the trunk of the Niva 2131. The Chevrolet trunk has a volume of 320 liters.
The acceleration time to a speed of 100 kilometers per hour is also different. The Chevrolet does it in 19 seconds, which is 1 second faster than its counterpart.
2131 has a smaller mass and is 1350 kilograms. The competitor weighs 60 kilograms more.
Chevrolet's ground clearance is 200 millimeters . A classmate has 20 percent more - 240 millimeters .
Chevrolet's average fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is 10.2 liters . Consumption 2131 - 13.8 liters .
The tire size also differs . Tires with the index number 205 are installed on an automobile product of a joint production, and tires with an index number of 235 are installed on a purebred brainchild of a domestic manufacturer.
Joint production began in September 2002. Niva 2131 has been produced since March 1993, which is 9 years longer.
The jointly produced machine is distinguished by richer technical equipment. Already the basic version includes a driver's airbag, central locking and connectors for modern electronic devices.
More than 700,000 Chevrolet cars sold . For colleagues, the figure is several times lower. And this despite the fact that 2131 began production 9 years earlier.
The average cost of a Chevrolet vehicle is 750,000 . The average price for a home-grown 2131 is 590,000 rubles .

The geometric parameters of the car body are different:

Car make	Body length (mm)	Body height (mm)	Wheelbase (mm)
Niva 2131	4240	1665	2700
Chevrolet Niva	4056	1652	2450

The right to choose

The owners of these cars are unanimous in their opinions on the following: both cars have extraordinary cross-country ability. This is an indisputable fact and an axiom. The spare parts needed to repair these machines are available in almost any spare parts store.

Niva 2131 is a simpler car in appearance, interior decoration and technically unpretentious. Driving this car for a long time in the city and on the highway is somewhat tiring. It does not hold the road so tenaciously and its course constantly has to be adjusted. But on a country road at any time of the year, this car has no equal in its class.

Does the owner drive most of the kilometers on country roads? Then the Niva 2131 would be more suitable for him. In turn, the Chevrolet Niva is more geared towards traveling on asphalt roads at any time of the year. But it won’t let you down even off-road, when the owner needs to leave the main road, say, to a fishing spot or to a dacha.

Niva is a very popular family of cars, which includes many different car models. Niva VAZ and Niva Chevrolet are in particular demand in our country. Both vehicles are very reliable and durable. But many owners are interested in Niva or Chevrolet Niva - which is better, and is it worth overpaying for the second option? Now we will try to find out.

Bottom line

What to choose? In any case, be sure to test cars before purchasing. It is also important to understand why you are buying an SUV: if you plan to spend a lot of time driving around the city and on paved roads, it is better to choose a Niva, as well as if you do not want to feel every bump and hole in Russian destinations with your whole body.

The cross-country ability of these representatives of domestic classics is at a high level, but if you still want a little more dynamics, choose the Niva, but keep in mind that it will not accelerate more than 135 km/h.

Please note that it is very difficult to drive a Niva 2121 or a UAZ as an everyday car; it is still better to use them for forays into nature.

A little background

Before determining which is better: Niva or Chevrolet Niva, you should understand that both of these vehicles have the same technical base.

Initially, the VAZ 2123 was conceived as a Niva-2 model, but since the designers did not develop a decent engine and gearbox, the body was simply updated. In 2001, the car was released under the name Chevrolet Niva, and the famous American concern was responsible for production.

At the same time, the old VAZ 2121 was also modernized. Now the car is produced under the name Lada 4x4, but among car enthusiasts it remains the same Niva (VAZ 2131).

For several years now, cars have been improved separately from each other, since they belong to different manufacturers. On the other hand, concerns constantly monitor each other’s achievements, and sometimes even cooperate.

But this does not mean that the models are completely identical, and it is impossible to determine which is better: Niva or Chevrolet Niva. No, they have several differences, which we will pay attention to.

Advantages of Niva

There is a lot of talk about this, the Niva is sent to tests of varying complexity and, one might say, it shows itself very well. This beast can be called an excellent SUV. It’s not for nothing that the Niva was taken as a basis when creating its symbiosis with Chevrolet. Let's talk about the benefits.

The main advantage of the Niva is the car’s all-wheel drive. This introduced a transfer case into the car's transmission, which ensures complete communication between the engine and the wheels. The presence of three differentials makes the Niva simply a monster of the road. The car is capable of breaking out of a fairly deep rut, and even if, for example, the rear wheel stalls, it can get itself out with the help of the front ones. The additional box does not turn the additional drive on and off, as many believe, but only controls the differential.
All-wheel drive on the Niva always works, and the inclusion of various transfer case and differential modes helps to cope with any road surface conditions. Also, with experienced use of the transmission, the car accelerates quite quickly, which also makes the Niva stand out.
As for external data, the Niva is very roomy both in the cabin and in the trunk, as well as under the hood. The car also has a pretty good design. This so-called “jeep”. Very practical and convenient.

If someone needs a car that will drive on difficult road areas, such as rural areas, forest areas, sandy surfaces and so on, then Niva is the best car for this. This car is ideal for the so-called “safari” or hunting. Within city limits, such a car is not at all necessary, however, if driving goes beyond the city limits, to difficult sections of roads, then using the Niva will significantly reduce the number of problems that may arise on other passenger cars.

When choosing an SUV for active driving in difficult conditions, the car enthusiast is faced with a difficult choice. This is especially related to the choice of a new car, if it is assumed that the car will be used in difficult and harsh conditions, and you need to find an SUV that you wouldn’t mind, the task becomes not an easy one.

For this reason, most potential buyers opt for domestically produced cars such as Niva and Chevrolet Niva. These cars are produced by AvtoVAZ, which offers good equipment. Each of these two models has its own positive characteristics and disadvantages, and since each car enthusiast has his own individual needs and wishes, it is very difficult to say unequivocally which of these SUVs is better. Therefore, this article will help answer the question of which is better than Niva or Niva Chevrolet.

Despite the fact that the design of the regular two-door Niva is outdated, and it is often criticized for its clumsy appearance, it continues to be in great demand.

The developers made attempts to release a new version of the SUV, as a result of which the Lada 4X4 Urban was released for sale. But there were no fundamental changes in the design, so there was little demand for it.

The main advantages of the regular Niva compared to the Chevrolet Niva are as follows:

Thanks to its short wheelbase, the model has better cross-country ability;
Lower Price;
Time-tested, unpretentious engine with a volume of 1.7 liters and 83 horsepower, with excellent torque;
The price of spare parts is cheaper;
A time-tested gearbox that works perfectly and does not fail in any extreme conditions;
Has a great predisposition to tuning;
Reliable suspension on levers.

Despite all the positive aspects, this car also has its drawbacks. It is very difficult to move along the highway, as you need to hold the steering wheel tightly to prevent unauthorized maneuvers. Of course, the short wheelbase feels great in rough off-road conditions, but on a normal road at high speeds it has poor handling. As for comfort, it is also at a low level, this is due to constant vibrations and extraneous noise.

Despite all the shortcomings, the Regular Niva looks good; its main advantages for the buyer are simplicity of design, ease of maintenance, and price.

Main characteristics

Both vehicles are equipped with gasoline power units. In Chevrolet the volume is 1.7 liters, in the case of Lada 4x4, the engine is 1.8 liters. Power units comply with Euro-5 environmental standards.

The last major update to the engines occurred back in 2008, since then there have been no significant changes. In fact, everything is the same here, including an interchangeable block, head, connecting rod and piston group, crankshaft, etc.

True, to be extremely precise, the engine from the Chevrolet SUV is a development of the VAZ-21214 engine from the Lada 4x4.

Based on the main technical parameters, it is impossible to determine whether the Lada Niva or the Chevrolet Niva is better, since the characteristics are almost completely identical.

For Chevrolet they look like this:

power – 79 horses;
torque indicator - 127 Nm;
required fuel - AI-95 gasoline;
maximum speed – 150 km/h;
acceleration to 100 km/h – 17 seconds;
transmission – five-speed manual;
drive – permanent all-wheel drive;
fuel consumption – 9.6 l/100 km in the combined cycle;
fuel tank volume – 58 l.

In the case of the VAZ Niva, the parameters are slightly different:

power – 82 horsepower;
torque – 139 Nm;
required fuel - AI-95 gasoline;
maximum speed – 135 km/h;
acceleration to 100 km/h – 22 sec;
transmission – five-speed manual;
drive – permanent all-wheel drive;
fuel consumption – 12.3 l/100 km in the combined cycle;
fuel tank volume – 65 l.

Despite the fact that both cars come with permanent all-wheel drive and a five-speed manual gearbox, there are still some differences.

On a Chevrolet car, the gearbox is not attached to the engine, as in the case of the VAZ competitor, it is separated from the engine. In addition, the generator is located on top of the unit (in a regular Niva it is at the back). Elements such as intake pipes, receiver, and throttle pipe also differ.

Chevrolet has one more transfer case mounting support than in the case of a Lada 4x4. The intermediate shaft is also slightly different.

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.

Dimensions

If we talk about Chevrolet, then the main dimensions parameters look like this:

length – 390 cm;
width – 170 cm;
height – 164 cm;
wheelbase – 245 cm;
ground clearance – 20 cm;
trunk volume – 320 l;

Niva differs from AVTOVAZ in slightly larger sizes:

length – 424 cm;
width – 168 cm;
height – 164 cm;
wheelbase – 279 cm;
ground clearance - 22.8 cm;
trunk volume – 265 l.

If you determine which is better: Lada Niva or Chevrolet Niva in terms of size, then it is worth noting that the VAZ version is larger and more impressive.

At the same time, it is distinguished by increased ground clearance, which increases the vehicle's cross-country ability. At the same time, the Chevrolet car has significantly increased trunk volume, and this is a big plus for country trips.

Driving on the highway and in the city

If you plan to drive on smooth asphalt, then the Lada Niva demonstrates a smoother ride. Thanks to the increased length, the number of jumps and bounces is reduced, so that passengers and the driver will be as comfortable as possible.

But in the city, large dimensions will become a significant disadvantage. The length of 4.24 m makes it difficult to perform various maneuvers.

Chevrolet has one more advantage in this regard - power steering, which is included even in the launch model.

In addition, the Chevrolet Niva has improved dynamics and a higher top speed. But, in any case, the cars cannot be called frisky, and you won’t be able to take part in races with them.

Safety indicators

When choosing a Niva VAZ or Niva Chevrolet, special attention should be paid to safety indicators. The crash test was carried out by the Autoreview publication, and the methodology repeated the European EuroNCAP tests.

As a result, the VAZ version received 0 points. The brainchild of the Chevrolet brand has not advanced much either – the safety index here was 1.6.

However, after some modifications, including the installation of belt pretensioners, an anti-lock braking system and two airbags, the figure increased to 12.5 points.

Now Lada 4x4 also has ABS. True, airbags come only in an improved configuration, and there are no belt pretensioners at all.

Production

If you are hesitating between a VAZ Niva or a Chevrolet Niva, then you need to understand that both vehicles are produced in our country, in Tolyatti.

True, the first option is made at the facilities of AVTOVAZ, while Chevrolet is manufactured at the GM-AVTOVAZ plant. But the components (engines, chassis, bodies, etc.) are supplied from the same AVTOVAZ. The quality is about the same.

What to choose

The advantages of the Chevrolet Niva car include:

low fuel consumption;
comfortable interior;
attractive appearance;
increased agility;
good functionality is already included in the standard assembly.

True, the cost of both the vehicle itself and its maintenance will be slightly higher than in the case of a competitor. And on the highway you can feel the lack of engine power.

Advantages of Lada 4x4:

smooth ride while driving on the highway;
more powerful motor;
affordable price (other things being equal, the cost will be almost 100 thousand lower).

But the appearance here is clearly outdated. And off-road performance is below average. It is also worth highlighting the high level of fuel consumption and poor visibility of the external mirrors.

There is no answer to the question of which is better: Chevrolet Niva or Lada Niva. For those who value increased comfort and good off-road performance, and are also willing to pay for it, it is worth purchasing a Chevrolet Niva.

If the budget is very limited, then you need to take a closer look at the Niva 2131 model. In any case, you will get a very reliable domestic car.

Below is a video comparing Niva or Chevrolet Niva:

Which is better to choose Chevrolet Niva or Niva 2131

In the Russian market and post-Soviet states, the Niva line of cars occupies a large share, and at least these are two models 2131 and the Chevrolet Niva, and which is better than the Chevrolet Niva or the Niva 2131, we will try to figure it out in this article. But before making a comparison, you need to understand what qualities are the main ones during operation.

The main similarities of these models are:

They have the same number of seats and doors.
Station wagon
Same track for rear and front wheels
The engine is located equally, longitudinally in front
Each has four cylinders
Same five-speed manual transmission
Similar braking system, discs in front, drums in back

These are the main similar technical characteristics that are available on the two models; if we talk about the main differences, then this is, of course, the appearance, as well as the gasoline poured into them; in a regular Niva you can pour 92 gasoline, but in the Chevy they recommend pouring already 95. In terms of fuel consumption, under equal conditions, the first one consumes more. They are also distinguished by the presence of horsepower, the Frenchman has several horsepower less, and the trunk volume of the first is larger. They are in great demand due to their price and off-road properties, as well as the presence of all-wheel drive with a range control.

For SUVs, one of the important indicators is the ramp angle, and the shorter the car body, the better the cross-country ability will be, this parameter makes the Chevrolet Niva more cross-country, its length is 3900 mm, and for the Niva 2131 this length is 4240 mm. But on a normal road, the second SUV feels better due to its length, which improves aerodynamic characteristics.