1983 Lada Niva vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lada Niva (76 HP) has 17 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 210 kg more than 1985 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 1985 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2560 mm |
