1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1955 Morris Minor
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1955 Morris Minor. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1955 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 238 kg more than 1955 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Morris Minor 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 1955 Morris Minor. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Morris Minor. (66 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1955 Morris Minor | |
| Make | Lancia | Morris |
| Model | Beta | Minor |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 947 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 62.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 762 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 22 L |
