1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1956 Rover P4
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,638 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Rover P4 (108 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1956 Rover P4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Rover P4 weights approximately 486 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Rover P4 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 1956 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1956 Rover P4 (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1956 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1956 Rover P4 has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1956 Rover P4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1956 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Rover |
| Model | Beta | P4 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1486 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 52 L |
