1977 Lancia Beta vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 256 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Exige. 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Exige |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 36 L |
