1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1981 Nissan Skyline is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Skyline (111 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 49 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.
Because 1981 Nissan Skyline 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 1981 Nissan Skyline. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1981 Nissan Skyline (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 1981 Nissan Skyline 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. 1981 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2620 mm |
