1981 Lada Niva vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada Niva would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (306 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1248 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (410 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 100 L |
