1986 Lada Riva vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1986 Lada Riva is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,963 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1986 Lada Riva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lada Riva weights approximately 210 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Riva. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Riva | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Riva | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2320 mm |
