1974 Lada Riva vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Nissan Cherry is newer by 7 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 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lada Riva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada Riva weights approximately 232 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. 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, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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, both vehicles can yield 96 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1981 Nissan Cherry 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. 1981 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Lada | Nissan |
| Model | Riva | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2400 mm |
