2009 Lada Niva vs. 1997 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda 626 (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Lada Niva. (81 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lada Niva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lada Niva weights approximately 95 kg more than 1997 Mazda 626.
Because 2009 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 626 (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lada Niva. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lada Niva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lada Niva | 1997 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Niva | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1688 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2620 mm |
