1983 Lada Niva vs. 1964 Wartburg 312
To start off, 1983 Lada Niva is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Wartburg 312. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Wartburg 312 would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1964 Wartburg 312. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1964 Wartburg 312. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 190 kg more than 1964 Wartburg 312. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1964 Wartburg 312. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Wartburg 312. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1983 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Wartburg 312.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1964 Wartburg 312 | |
| Make | Lada | Wartburg |
| Model | Niva | 312 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 43 L |
