2003 Audi A3 vs. 1985 Lada Niva
To start off, 2003 Audi A3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A3 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1985 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Audi A3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 2003 Audi A3 (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A3 | 1985 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Audi | Lada |
| Model | A3 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 43 L |
