1994 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1994 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1994 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 250 kg more than 1994 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1994 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 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 Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lada Niva | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1450 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 | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
