1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 15 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1974 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm). This means 1974 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
