1976 Lancia Beta vs. 2008 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2008 Lotus Exige is newer by 32 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Lancia Beta weights approximately 84 kg more than 2008 Lotus Exige.
Because 2008 Lotus Exige 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 2008 Lotus Exige. 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, 2008 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 2008 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Exige |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
