1989 Ford Fiesta vs. 1974 Lada Riva
To start off, 1989 Ford Fiesta is newer by 15 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 1,450 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lada Riva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (80 HP) has 27 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada Riva weights approximately 240 kg more than 1989 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1974 Lada Riva (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (86 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Lada Riva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Fiesta | 1974 Lada Riva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Fiesta | Riva |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 1450 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 80 HP |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3750 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2420 mm |
