1968 Mazda Luce vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mazda Luce. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mazda Luce would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1968 Mazda Luce. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1968 Mazda Luce. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mazda Luce weights approximately 114 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 1968 Mazda Luce 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 1968 Mazda Luce. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1983 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mazda Luce. (118 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mazda Luce.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mazda Luce | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Mazda | Lancia |
| Model | Luce | Beta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 59 L |
