1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2007 Lexus IS
To start off, 2007 Lexus IS is newer by 29 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lexus IS (211 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lexus IS weights approximately 575 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 2007 Lexus IS 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 2007 Lexus IS. 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, 2007 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2007 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2007 Lexus IS 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. 2007 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2007 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lancia | Lexus |
| Model | Beta | IS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 211 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
