1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1960 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 418 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Lotus Elite 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 1960 Lotus Elite. 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1960 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elite |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 29 L |
