1974 Lada Riva vs. 1998 Opel Astra
To start off, 1998 Opel Astra 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Astra (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Astra weights approximately 124 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, 1998 Opel Astra, 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, 1998 Opel Astra (130 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1998 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | Riva | Astra |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2620 mm |
