1973 Lancia Beta vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 34 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Lancia Beta weights approximately 40 kg more than 2007 Lotus Elise.
Because 2007 Lotus Elise 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 2007 Lotus Elise. 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 241 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 | 990 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
