1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1976 Lancia Beta is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,344 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 227 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (353 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1955 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lancia |
| Model | Corvette | Beta |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4344 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
