1974 Lada Riva vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 22 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 149 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Lada | Pontiac |
| Model | Riva | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2650 mm |
