1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio is newer by 32 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, 2011 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Rio weights approximately 53 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, 2011 Kia Rio, 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio. 2011 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Lancia | Kia |
| Model | Beta | Rio |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 43 L |
