1986 Lada Riva vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1986 Lada Riva is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (114 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1986 Lada Riva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1155 kg more than 1986 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Riva. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Riva | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lada | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Riva | S |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 2998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 2215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2870 mm |
