1979 Lada 1200 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1979 Lada 1200. (61 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Lada 1200.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lada 1200 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | 1200 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
