1977 Lancia Beta vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 26 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 215 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda 3 (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta. 2003 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1977 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1977 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
