1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 28 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 58 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 263 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lancia | Smart |
| Model | Beta | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 33 L |
