1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Mazda 121. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 9 kg more than 1996 Mazda 121. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 Lancia Beta (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda 121. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | 121 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
