1972 BMW 3 vs. 1994 Lada Niva
To start off, 1994 Lada Niva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1994 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1994 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 BMW 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1994 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 3 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1450 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
