1986 Lada Riva vs. 1971 Saab 99
To start off, 1986 Lada Riva is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Saab 99 would be higher. At 1,853 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lada Riva (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1971 Saab 99. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1971 Saab 99. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Saab 99 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1986 Lada Riva.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lada Riva. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Saab 99, 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, 1971 Saab 99 (147 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Riva. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Riva | 1971 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Lada | Saab |
| Model | Riva | 99 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1853 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
