1990 Lada Niva vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,451 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1990 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1990 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 15 kg more than 1990 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lada Niva | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1451 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1165 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 |
