1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Renault Megane
To start off, 2004 Renault Megane 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Megane (133 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Megane weights approximately 350 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 Renault Megane, 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 Renault Megane (185 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2004 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Lancia | Renault |
| Model | Beta | Megane |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 83 L |
