1986 Lada Niva vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1986 Lada Niva. (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lada Niva weights approximately 65 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323.
Because 1986 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, 1986 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 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 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 1986 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Niva | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 323 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4210 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 |
