1982 Lada Niva vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1982 Lada Niva is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen 1302 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 42 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lada Niva weights approximately 400 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 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 1979 Volkswagen 1302. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen 1302.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lada Niva | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1451 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
