1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 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 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 785 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Lancia Beta | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lancia | Mazda |
Model | Beta | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1837 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 83 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
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 | 1785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2650 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 50 L |