1969 Honda S800 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Honda S800 would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1969 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1969 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 290 kg more than 1969 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Honda S800 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 1969 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Honda S800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Honda S800 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Honda | Lancia |
| Model | S800 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 789 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 49 L |
