1993 Ford Contour vs. 1974 Lada Riva
To start off, 1993 Ford Contour is newer by 19 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Ford Contour (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Ford Contour weights approximately 317 kg more than 1974 Lada Riva. 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, 1993 Ford Contour, 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, 1993 Ford Contour (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1993 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Contour | 1974 Lada Riva | |
| Make | Ford | Lada |
| Model | Contour | Riva |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.4 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
