1986 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (120 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1986 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 334 kg more than 1986 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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 Passat (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Niva | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 70 L |
