1978 Lancia Stratos vs. 1977 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Lancia Stratos is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,419 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Stratos is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Stratos (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Lancia Stratos.
Because 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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 Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Stratos will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Stratos | 1977 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Stratos | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2419 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
