1988 Lada Niva vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 17 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1988 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Niva weights approximately 120 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3.
Because 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda 3. 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, 2005 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Niva. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Niva | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
