1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1992 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1992 Lancia Thema is newer by 16 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1992 Lancia Thema. (116 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1992 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Lancia Thema weights approximately 340 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, 1992 Lancia Thema, 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, 1992 Lancia Thema (256 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1992 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Beta | Thema |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 256 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2670 mm |
