1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1988 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 13 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. (62 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 110 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 1988 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1975 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1988 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Lancia | Suzuki |
| Model | Beta | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
