1983 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1983 Lada Niva is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat 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 17 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 270 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 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 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1983 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2480 mm |
