1972 Lancia Beta vs. 1979 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1979 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1979 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mazda RX-7 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1972 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1972 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1972 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda RX-7 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 1979 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 1979 Mazda RX-7 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lancia Beta | 1979 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 65 L |
