1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 1974 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Nissan Laurel (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 195 kg more than 1974 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1973 Nissan Laurel (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1973 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Laurel |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2680 mm |
