1985 Lada Niva vs. 1973 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1985 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 298 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-3.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mazda RX-3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1973 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 1973 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1973 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 65 L |
