1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1995 Mazda Sentia
To start off, 1995 Mazda Sentia is newer by 17 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 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Mazda Sentia (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Mazda Sentia should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 560 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 1995 Mazda Sentia 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 1995 Mazda Sentia. 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, 1995 Mazda Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1995 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1995 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1995 Mazda Sentia | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | Sentia |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2860 mm |
