1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 286 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 Lotus Elise 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5600 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 | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
