1974 Lada Riva vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 38 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 404 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lada | Volkswagen |
| Model | Riva | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2651 mm |
