1997 Lada Niva vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 3 kg more than 1997 Lada Niva.
Because 1997 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Golf (140 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lada Niva | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 137 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
