1981 Lada Niva vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
