1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1973 Lancia Beta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 100 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 406 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan 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 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1963 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1963 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elan |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
