1987 Lada Niva vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1987 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 25 kg more than 1987 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Niva. 2005 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1987 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1987 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lada Niva | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
