1977 Lancia Beta vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 146 kg more than 1977 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Lotus Excel 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 1985 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Excel |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 66 L |
