1998 Lada Niva vs. 1997 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Lada Niva is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 323 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 Lada Niva. (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda 323 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 Lada Niva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1997 Mazda 323 (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lada Niva. (133 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lada Niva | 1997 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 323 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2620 mm |
