1974 Lada Riva vs. 2003 Opel Meriva
To start off, 2003 Opel Meriva is newer by 29 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (80 HP) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Opel Meriva. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Meriva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Meriva weights approximately 370 kg more than 1974 Lada Riva.
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, 2003 Opel Meriva, 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, 2003 Opel Meriva (230 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 2003 Opel Meriva | |
| Make | Lada | Opel |
| Model | Riva | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1450 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2400 mm |
