1974 Lada Riva vs. 2004 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,450 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lada Riva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (80 HP) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 144 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Polo (335 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 2004 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riva | Polo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1450 cc | 1421 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1204 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2470 mm |
