2005 Lada Niva vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2005 Lada Niva is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,768 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 626 (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Lada Niva. (77 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lada Niva weights approximately 290 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626.
Because 2005 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1978 Mazda 626 (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lada Niva | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 626 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
