1986 Lada Riva vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lada Riva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lada Riva would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1986 Lada Riva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 95 kg more than 1986 Lada Riva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Riva. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Riva | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Riva | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2340 mm |
