1974 Lada Riva vs. 1992 Mazda 626
To start off, 1992 Mazda 626 is newer by 18 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 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Mazda 626 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mazda 626 (118 HP) has 38 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Mazda 626 weights approximately 95 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, 1992 Mazda 626, 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, 1992 Mazda 626 (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1992 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Riva | 626 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1450 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 118 HP |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2620 mm |
