1986 Lada Riva vs. 2012 Seat Leon
To start off, 2012 Seat Leon is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lada Riva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lada Riva would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Leon (238 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1986 Lada Riva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Leon weights approximately 274 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.
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, 2012 Seat Leon, 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 Seat Leon (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Riva. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Riva | 2012 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Lada | Seat |
| Model | Riva | Leon |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2580 mm |
