1984 Lada Niva vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 120 (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1984 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1984 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2012 BMW 120 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lada Niva | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lada | BMW |
| Model | Niva | 120 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 51 L |
