1985 Lada Niva vs. 2012 Mazda BT-50
To start off, 2012 Mazda BT-50 is newer by 27 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 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda BT-50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda BT-50 (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1985 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda BT-50 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lada Niva weights approximately 195 kg more than 2012 Mazda BT-50.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Mazda BT-50 (257 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda BT-50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lada Niva | 2012 Mazda BT-50 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | BT-50 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 2498 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 | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 50 L |
