1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1971 Riley 4
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1971 Riley 4. (67 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1971 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Riley 4 weights approximately 148 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1971 Riley 4 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 1971 Riley 4. 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 (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Riley 4. (121 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Riley 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1971 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Riley |
| Model | Beta | 4 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1622 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 76.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 45 L |
