1978 Lancia Beta vs. 2010 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2010 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 218 kg more than 2010 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1978 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 2010 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Lancia | Smart |
| Model | Beta | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 2695 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 1867 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 33 L |
