1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 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), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 279 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 1995 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 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 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 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 266 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 73 L |
