1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1996 Nissan Laurel 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan Laurel (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 340 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Nissan Laurel 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 1996 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1996 Nissan Laurel (171 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta. 1996 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 1973 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1973 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1996 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
