1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Mazda 929
To start off, 1978 Mazda 929 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda 929 (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda 929 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda 929 weights approximately 150 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 1978 Mazda 929 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 1978 Mazda 929. 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, 1978 Mazda 929 (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda 929 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1978 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | 929 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
