1974 Lada Riva vs. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 23 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 219 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1974 Lada Riva has manual transmission. 1974 Lada Riva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Lada | Chevrolet |
| Model | Riva | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2650 mm |
