1976 Lancia Beta vs. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Lancia Beta weights approximately 210 kg more than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1993 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 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1976 Lancia Beta (177 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (131 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
