1991 Lada Niva vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1991 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1991 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Lada Niva weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1991 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lada Niva. 2003 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1991 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1991 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lada Niva | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4148 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1735 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2512 mm |
