1982 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1982 Lada Niva is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,451 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lada Niva weights approximately 465 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lada Niva | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Polo |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1451 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 | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 35 L |
