1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 31 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Altima weights approximately 472 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, 2010 Nissan Altima, 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Altima |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 76 L |
