1976 Lada 1200 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 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 55 more horse power than 1976 Lada 1200. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1976 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 167 kg more than 1976 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 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 1976 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 1976 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lada 1200 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | 1200 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 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 | 59 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 | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 55 L |
