1972 Lancia Beta vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 1997 TVR Speed 12 is newer by 25 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 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 690 more horse power than 1972 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 1972 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 TVR Speed 12 weights approximately 2 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 1997 TVR Speed 12 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 1997 TVR Speed 12. 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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 736 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lancia Beta | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Lancia | TVR |
| Model | Beta | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2650 mm |
