1974 Lada Riva vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (67 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 123 kg more than 1974 Lada Riva.
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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (124 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riva | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2630 mm |
