1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit

To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 120 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 1981 Lotus Esprit 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 1981 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.

Compare all specifications:

1975 Lancia Beta 1981 Lotus Esprit
Make Lancia Lotus
Model Beta Esprit
Year Released 1975 1981
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 1297 cc 2174 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 81 HP 158 HP
Engine RPM 6200 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 108 Nm 221 Nm
Torque RPM 3300 RPM 5000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
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 1120 kg
Vehicle Length 4000 mm 4200 mm
Vehicle Width 1660 mm 1870 mm
Vehicle Height 1290 mm 1120 mm
Wheelbase Size 2360 mm 2440 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 49 L 67 L


 

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