1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1988 Maserati 420
To start off, 1988 Maserati 420 is newer by 10 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 1,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Maserati 420 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Maserati 420 (217 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Maserati 420 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Maserati 420 weights approximately 137 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 1988 Maserati 420 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 1988 Maserati 420. 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, 1988 Maserati 420 (259 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Maserati 420 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1988 Maserati 420 | |
| Make | Lancia | Maserati |
| Model | Beta | 420 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 259 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2610 mm |
