1983 BMW 320 vs. 1987 Lada Niva
To start off, 1987 Lada Niva is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 320 (120 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1987 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lada Niva weights approximately 100 kg more than 1983 BMW 320.
Because 1987 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1983 BMW 320 (171 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 320 | 1987 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 320 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
