1983 Lada Niva vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1983 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1983 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 224 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2480 mm |
