2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1986 Lada Riva
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 17 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1986 Lada Riva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lada Riva weights approximately 560 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Riva. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1986 Lada Riva | |
| Make | Caterham | Lada |
| Model | 7 | Riva |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2420 mm |
