1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta 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 7 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. (111 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 5 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Lancia Beta 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer. (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Lancia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Beta | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1480 mm |
