1997 Lada Niva vs. 1974 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Lada Niva is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (47 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lada Niva weights approximately 462 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Lada Niva (133 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Golf. (85 Nm). This means 1997 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lada Niva | 1974 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1091 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 45 L |
