1974 Lada Riva vs. 1961 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1974 Lada Riva is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Trabant Universal would be higher. At 1,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lada Riva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1961 Trabant Universal. (20 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1961 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada Riva weights approximately 330 kg more than 1961 Trabant Universal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lada Riva is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Lada Riva. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Trabant Universal, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1974 Lada Riva (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Trabant Universal. (44 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1974 Lada Riva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1961 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Lada | Trabant |
| Model | Riva | Universal |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2030 mm |
