1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2004 Toyota Prius is newer by 26 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 Toyota Prius. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Toyota Prius weights approximately 232 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Because 1978 Lancia Beta 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 1978 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota Prius, 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota Prius. (115 Nm). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2004 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | Prius |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
