1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 31 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mini Cooper weights approximately 57 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, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (240 Nm) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lancia | Mini |
| Model | Beta | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
