1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 66 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 1987 Lotus Esprit 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 1987 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 67 L |
