1974 Lancia Beta vs. 2005 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 31 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 70 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 2005 Lotus Exige. 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (109 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 2005 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Exige |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 40 L |
