1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1976 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1976 Pontiac Firebird 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 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 585 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 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird. 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 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1976 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Lancia | Pontiac |
| Model | Beta | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2750 mm |
