2001 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2001 Lada Niva is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lada Niva weights approximately 525 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Lada Niva (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lada Niva | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Polo |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 35 L |
