1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 150 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 Lotus Elise 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 2005 Lotus Elise. 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Lancia Beta | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Lancia | Lotus |
Model | Beta | Elise |
Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 82 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 | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 40 L |