1961 Abarth 2400 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 2400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 2400 would be higher. At 2,321 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Abarth 2400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Abarth 2400 (141 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Abarth 2400 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Abarth 2400 weights approximately 52 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Abarth 2400 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 Abarth 2400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 Abarth 2400 (196 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 Abarth 2400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 2400 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Abarth | Lancia |
| Model | 2400 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2321 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 59 L |
