1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 11 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 2,614 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (200 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 247 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 1989 Mazda RX-7 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 1989 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2430 mm |
