1988 Lada Niva vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Niva (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Niva weights approximately 330 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
