1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 1996 Honda S-MX is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda S-MX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda S-MX (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda S-MX weights approximately 294 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta. 1996 Honda S-MX has automatic transmission and 1980 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1980 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda S-MX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Lancia | Honda |
| Model | Beta | S-MX |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2510 mm |
