1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Lexus GS
To start off, 1998 Lexus GS is newer by 19 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 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Lexus GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lexus GS (290 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lexus GS should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lexus GS weights approximately 700 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.
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, 1998 Lexus GS (415 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Lexus GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1998 Lexus GS 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. 1998 Lexus GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1998 Lexus GS | |
| Make | Lancia | Lexus |
| Model | Beta | GS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 415 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2810 mm |
