1974 Lada Riva vs. 1985 Renault 18
To start off, 1985 Renault 18 is newer by 11 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Renault 18 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Renault 18 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Renault 18 weights approximately 78 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.
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, 1985 Renault 18, 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, 1985 Renault 18 (163 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1985 Renault 18 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1985 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Lada | Renault |
| Model | Riva | 18 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
