1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 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 1,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 305 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 843 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 2010 Lotus Elise 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 2010 Lotus Elise. 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2010 Lotus Elise 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. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 86 L |
