1988 Lada Niva vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lada Niva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lada Niva would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1988 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 61 L |
