1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 25 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 124 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 | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 50 L |
