1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Toyota Lexcen
To start off, 1996 Toyota Lexcen 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Lexcen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Lexcen (194 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Lexcen should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Lexcen weights approximately 349 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 Toyota Lexcen 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 1996 Toyota Lexcen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta, 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, 1996 Toyota Lexcen (304 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Lexcen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta. 1996 Toyota Lexcen 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 Toyota Lexcen will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1996 Toyota Lexcen | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | Lexcen |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2740 mm |
