1979 Lada 1200 vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lada 1200 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 475 kg more than 1979 Lada 1200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Lada 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3, 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | 1200 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 39 L | 55 L |
