1996 Audi A3 vs. 1987 Lada Niva
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1987 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lada Niva weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Audi A3.
Because 1987 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1996 Audi A3 (173 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1987 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Audi | Lada |
| Model | A3 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 43 L |
