1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1980 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 1980 Nissan Silvia is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Nissan Silvia (97 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 10 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Nissan Silvia 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 1980 Nissan Silvia. 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, 1980 Nissan Silvia (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1980 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Silvia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
