1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 300 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan 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 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 1969 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Lancia Beta | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | Lancia | Lotus |
Model | Beta | Elan |
Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.8 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 | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1170 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |