1996 BMW 540 vs. 1985 Lada Niva
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lada Niva would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1985 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1985 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 540 | Niva |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
