1985 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen GTI is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen GTI (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 243 kg more than 1985 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Volkswagen GTI (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | GTI |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
