1976 Lancia Beta vs. 2003 Lancia Thesis
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis is newer by 27 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lancia Thesis (169 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lancia Thesis should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 640 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 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis (226 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 2003 Lancia Thesis | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Beta | Thesis |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 47 L |
