1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Lancia Stratos
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Stratos 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 106 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 20 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, 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, 1978 Lancia Stratos (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 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 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1978 Lancia Stratos | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Beta | Stratos |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2419 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 80 L |
