1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1974 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1975 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1974 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mazda RX-4 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mazda RX-4 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mazda RX-4 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 Mazda RX-4. 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, 1974 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1974 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
