1985 Lada Niva vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 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 21 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1985 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
