1974 Lada Riva vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lada Riva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lada Riva would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 614 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riva | S |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2870 mm |
