1974 Lada Riva vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 15 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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 413 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riva | 300 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2720 mm |
