1983 Lada Niva vs. 1996 Volkswagen Gol
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Gol is newer by 13 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 @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Gol. (49 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Gol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 255 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Gol. 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 1996 Volkswagen Gol. 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Gol. (71 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Gol.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1996 Volkswagen Gol | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Gol |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2480 mm |
