1996 Lada Niva vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1996 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 111 kg more than 1996 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lada Niva | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 132 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
