1985 Lada Niva vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 40 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
