1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1961 Riley 4
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1961 Riley 4. (63 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1961 Riley 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Riley 4 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Because 1961 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 1961 Riley 4. 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, 1961 Riley 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1961 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1961 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Riley |
| Model | Beta | 4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
