1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1957 Rover P4
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1957 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1957 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Rover P4 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 1957 Rover P4 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 1957 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1957 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1957 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1957 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Rover |
| Model | Beta | P4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 45 L |
