1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1976 Lancia Beta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 1976 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1976 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Lancia | Rover |
| Model | Beta | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2820 mm |
