1974 Lada 1200 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1974 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 132 kg more than 1974 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lada 1200 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada 1200. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada 1200. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1974 Lada 1200 has manual transmission. 1974 Lada 1200 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada 1200 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | 1200 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
