1971 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 7,468 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Riviera (311 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Riviera weights approximately 992 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Buick Riviera (617 Nm) has 452 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1971 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Riviera | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Buick | Lancia |
| Model | Riviera | Beta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 617 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1048 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2360 mm |
