1981 Lada Niva vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 273 kg more than 1981 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2002 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lada Niva | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 64 L |
