1990 BMW 520 vs. 1985 Lada Niva
To start off, 1990 BMW 520 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 392 kg more than 1985 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1990 BMW 520 (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 1985 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 520 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2210 mm |
