1988 Lada Niva vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | T5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 80 L |
