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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Prius (134 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 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 380 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Toyota Prius (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Prius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
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 | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
