1981 Lada Niva vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 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 2,478 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 244 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.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2478 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
