2009 Lada Niva vs. 1997 Volkswagen Fusca
To start off, 2009 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Fusca would be higher. At 1,688 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lada Niva (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (52 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lada Niva weights approximately 465 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Lada Niva (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Fusca.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lada Niva | 1997 Volkswagen Fusca | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Niva | Fusca |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1688 cc | 1583 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 52 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
