1957 BMW 501 vs. 1974 Lada Riva
To start off, 1974 Lada Riva is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 501 (138 HP) has 58 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (80 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1974 Lada Riva. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1974 Lada Riva | |
| Make | BMW | Lada |
| Model | 501 | Riva |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1450 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 80 HP |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2420 mm |
