1974 Lada Riva vs. 1982 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 8 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (122 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1974 Lada Riva. (72 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1974 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lada Riva weights approximately 17 kg more than 1982 Lancia Beta.
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, 1982 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lada Riva. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lada Riva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lada Riva | 1982 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lada | Lancia |
| Model | Riva | Beta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2550 mm |
