1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 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 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 240 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.
Because 1998 Mazda RX-7 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 Mazda RX-7. 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 Mazda RX-7 (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| 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 | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 76 L |
