1974 Lada Riva vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 34 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (99 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (80 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 60 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riva | Polo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1450 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 99 HP |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2470 mm |
