1986 Lada Riva vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1986 Lada Riva is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1986 Lada Riva. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1986 Lada Riva. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lada Riva weights approximately 24 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lada Riva. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lada Riva. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lada Riva. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1986 Lada Riva has manual transmission. 1986 Lada Riva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lada Riva | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lada | Lancia |
| Model | Riva | Beta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 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 |
