1974 Lada Riva vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 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 1,835 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 151 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Riva | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2270 mm |
