2009 BMW 120 vs. 1980 Lada Niva
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1980 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1980 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 120. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2009 BMW 120 (341 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lada Niva. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lada Niva has manual transmission. 1980 Lada Niva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1980 Lada Niva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 120 | Niva |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 341 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 43 L |
