1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1971 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 442 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lotus Seven 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 1971 Lotus Seven. 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (134 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1971 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Seven |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 34 L |
