1974 Lada Riva vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 40 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, 1975 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva. 1975 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1974 Lada Riva has manual transmission. 1974 Lada Riva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lada | Lancia |
| Model | Riva | Beta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 143 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2480 mm |
