1994 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,450 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (84 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1994 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1994 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lada Niva weights approximately 80 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Because 1994 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Polo (132 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Polo |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1450 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2470 mm |
