1974 Lada Riva vs. 1987 Lada Samara
To start off, 1987 Lada Samara is newer by 13 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 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1987 Lada Samara. (64 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1987 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada Riva weights approximately 96 kg more than 1987 Lada Samara. 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, 1987 Lada Samara, 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, 1987 Lada Samara (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1987 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1987 Lada Samara | |
| Make | Lada | Lada |
| Model | Riva | Samara |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71 mm |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2470 mm |
