2008 Lada Niva vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2008 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Lada Niva.
Because 2008 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (169 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lada Niva | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
