1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 21 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), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 235 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 1996 Toyota MR2 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 1996 Toyota MR2. 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| 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 | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
