1958 Riley One-Point-Five vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Riley One-Point-Five. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Riley One-Point-Five would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1958 Riley One-Point-Five. (62 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1958 Riley One-Point-Five. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 101 kg more than 1958 Riley One-Point-Five. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Riley One-Point-Five 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 1958 Riley One-Point-Five. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Riley One-Point-Five. (112 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Riley One-Point-Five.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Riley One-Point-Five | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Riley | Lancia |
| Model | One-Point-Five | Beta |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2480 mm |
