1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1989 Rover 216
To start off, 1989 Rover 216 is newer by 13 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1989 Rover 216. (114 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1989 Rover 216. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Rover 216 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Because 1976 Lancia Beta 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 1976 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Rover 216, 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, 1976 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Rover 216. (141 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1976 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Rover 216.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1989 Rover 216 | |
| Make | Lancia | Rover |
| Model | Beta | 216 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2550 mm |
