1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse 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 2,376 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse (147 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 280 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 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Lancia | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Beta | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 147 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
