1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1974 Lada Riva
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara is newer by 23 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lada Riva (80 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lada Riva should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 130 kg more than 1974 Lada Riva.
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, 1997 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1997 Citroen Xsara (117 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (106 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1974 Lada Riva | |
| Make | Citroen | Lada |
| Model | Xsara | Riva |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1450 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 80 HP |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 153 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2420 mm |
