  We study the m-z relation for Type Ia supernovae data and the \theta-z
relation for the updated compact radio sources data in 4 variable \Lambda-
models: \Lambda \sim S^{-2}, \Lambda \sim H^2, \Lambda \sim \rho and \Lambda
\sim t^{-2}.
  It is found that all the models fit the data sets equally well and require
non-zero, positive values of \Lambda. The supernovae data favour an
accelerating expansion of the universe whereas the radio sources data imply
either sign of the deceleration parameter. The estimates of the density
parameter for the variable \Lambda-models are found higher than those for the
constant \Lambda-Friedmann model. It is also found that the Gurvits et al'
model (FRW model with \Lambda=0) is not the best-fitting model for the constant
\Lambda case. The best-fitting Friedmann model (with constant \Lambda) is found
to be a low density, vacuum-dominated accelerating universe. However, for
realistic values of the matter density parameter, the only interesting
solutions are (a) estimated from the supernovae data: the best-fit solutions
for the flat models (including the constant \Lambda case); (b) estimated from
the radio sources data: the global best-fit solutions for the models \Lambda
\sim H^2 and \Lambda \sim \rho, the best-fit solution for the flat model with
\Lambda=constant and the Gurvits et al' model.
  It is noted that, as in the case of recent CMB analyses, the data sets seem
to favour a spherical universe (k>0).
