1980 Lada Niva vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 1980 Lada Niva and 1980 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (1980). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lada Niva weights approximately 400 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lada Niva | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 45 L |
