1974 Lancia Beta vs. 2012 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2012 Toyota Prius is newer by 38 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, 2012 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Prius weights approximately 396 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 1974 Lancia Beta 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 1974 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Prius, 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, 1974 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm). This means 1974 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 2012 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | Prius |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1436 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 40 L |
