1997 Lada Niva vs. 1979 Mazda 121
To start off, 1997 Lada Niva is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda 121 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Lada Niva weights approximately 78 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121.
Because 1997 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mazda 121. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1979 Mazda 121 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lada Niva | 1979 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 121 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1212 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
