1974 Lada Riva vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP) has 144 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 770 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riva | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1450 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 224 HP |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2520 mm |
