1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1959 Toyota Crown
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Toyota Crown. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Toyota Crown would be higher. At 1,453 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Toyota Crown is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1959 Toyota Crown. (49 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1959 Toyota Crown. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Toyota Crown weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Because 1959 Toyota Crown 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 1959 Toyota Crown. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, both vehicles can yield 108 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1959 Toyota Crown | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | Crown |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2540 mm |
