1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 258 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 Lotus Exige 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 2002 Lotus Exige. 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, 2002 Lotus Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Exige |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 36 L |
