1983 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Lada Riva
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 9 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (80 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (70 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada Riva weights approximately 110 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. 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, 1983 Ford Escort, 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, 1983 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Escort | 1974 Lada Riva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Escort | Riva |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1450 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 80 HP |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2420 mm |
