2008 Lada Niva vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 2008 Lada Niva is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lada Niva weights approximately 350 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323.
Because 2008 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Mazda 323. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1985 Mazda 323 (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lada Niva | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 323 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
