1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Renault Spider
To start off, 1998 Renault Spider is newer by 25 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Spider (141 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 108 kg more than 1998 Renault Spider.
Because 1998 Renault Spider 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 1998 Renault Spider. 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, 1998 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1998 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Lancia | Renault |
| Model | Beta | Spider |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2350 mm |
