1974 Lada Riva vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1974 Lada Riva is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 293 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has automatic transmission and 1974 Lada Riva has manual transmission. 1974 Lada Riva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riva | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2760 mm |
