1961 Reliant Sabre 4 vs. 1982 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lancia Beta weights approximately 238 kg more than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 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 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. 1982 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 has manual transmission. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | 1982 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Reliant | Lancia |
| Model | Sabre 4 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1703 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 798 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 59 L |
