1966 Wartburg 312 vs. 2012 Lada Niva
To start off, 2012 Lada Niva is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lada Niva (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 312. (37 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lada Niva weights approximately 325 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1966 Wartburg 312. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Lada Niva (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 312. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Wartburg 312 | 2012 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Wartburg | Lada |
| Model | 312 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 900 cc | 1690 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 37 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
