1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Proton Arena
To start off, 2004 Proton Arena 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2004 Proton Arena. (90 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2004 Proton Arena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Proton Arena weights approximately 25 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta.
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 Proton Arena, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Proton Arena. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Proton Arena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2004 Proton Arena | |
| Make | Lancia | Proton |
| Model | Beta | Arena |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2610 mm |
