1988 Lada Niva vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 25 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (57 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 186 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.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (114 Nm @ 2070 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1905 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2070 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1376 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
