1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair
To start off, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair is newer by 4 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 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair weights approximately 390 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 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair 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 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair. 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, 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair 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. 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1978 Mitsubishi Debonair | |
| Make | Lancia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Beta | Debonair |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
