1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1966 NSU Wankel Spider
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 NSU Wankel Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 NSU Wankel Spider would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1966 NSU Wankel Spider. (49 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1966 NSU Wankel Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 305 kg more than 1966 NSU Wankel Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 NSU Wankel Spider. (74 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 NSU Wankel Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1966 NSU Wankel Spider | |
| Make | Lancia | NSU |
| Model | Beta | Wankel Spider |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 497 cc |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2020 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 34 L |
