1976 Lancia Beta vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2003 Lexus IS 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 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lexus IS (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 540 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 2003 Lexus IS 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 2003 Lexus IS. 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, 2003 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 2003 Lexus IS 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. 2003 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lancia | Lexus |
| Model | Beta | IS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2680 mm |
