2002 Lada Niva vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Lada Niva is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lada Niva (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lada Niva weights approximately 462 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Lada Niva (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lada Niva | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| 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 | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 45 L |
