1983 Lada Niva vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lada Niva 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 38 more horse power than 1983 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lada Niva weights approximately 30 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323.
Because 1983 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lada Niva | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 323 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
