1977 Lancia Beta vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 239 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Because 2006 Lotus Elise 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 2006 Lotus Elise. 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 241 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 | 1025 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 40 L |
