1974 Lada Riva vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 30 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 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 396 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Riva | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2710 mm |
