1995 Lada Niva vs. 1983 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1995 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1995 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1995 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lada Niva weights approximately 325 kg more than 1983 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1995 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1983 Volkswagen Golf (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lada Niva. (134 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1983 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lada Niva | 1983 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1983 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 60 L |
