1996 Audi A4 vs. 1981 Lada Niva
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A4 (193 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A4 weights approximately 418 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 A4 (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1981 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Audi | Lada |
| Model | A4 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2771 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 43 L |
