1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1976 Mazda Cosmo
To start off, 1976 Mazda Cosmo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,769 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mazda Cosmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda Cosmo (93 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda Cosmo should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda Cosmo weights approximately 90 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 1976 Mazda Cosmo 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 1976 Mazda Cosmo. 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, 1976 Mazda Cosmo (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda Cosmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta. 1976 Mazda Cosmo has automatic transmission and 1974 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1974 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Mazda Cosmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1976 Mazda Cosmo | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | Cosmo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 65 L |
