1952 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Beta weights approximately 91 kg more than 1952 Austin-Healey 100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 Austin-Healey 100 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 1952 Austin-Healey 100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1952 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1952 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin-Healey 100 | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lancia |
| Model | 100 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2550 mm |
