2003 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Lada Niva
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lada Niva would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1988 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1988 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 520 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 43 L |
