2008 Lada Niva vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2008 Lada Niva is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 339 more horse power than 2008 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lada Niva weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 2008 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen W12. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 591 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lada Niva. 1997 Volkswagen W12 has automatic transmission and 2008 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 2008 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen W12 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lada Niva | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | W12 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 132 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
