1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2011 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2011 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Prius should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Prius weights approximately 340 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 Toyota Prius, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2011 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | Prius |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
