1982 Lada Niva vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1982 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1982 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 196 kg more than 1982 Lada Niva. 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 2011 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lada Niva | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1451 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
