1974 Lada Riva vs. 1993 Mercury Capri
To start off, 1993 Mercury Capri is newer by 19 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercury Capri (100 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Capri should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Capri weights approximately 29 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, 1993 Mercury Capri, 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, 1993 Mercury Capri (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1993 Mercury Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1993 Mercury Capri | |
| Make | Lada | Mercury |
| Model | Riva | Capri |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
