1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2008 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Sentra is newer by 30 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Sentra (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 1337 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 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, 2008 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2008 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 2008 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2008 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
