1992 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1992 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1992 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 230 kg more than 1992 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1992 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Lada Niva | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
