1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1970 MG Midget
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 MG Midget would be higher. At 1,367 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1970 MG Midget. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1970 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 280 kg more than 1970 MG Midget. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 MG Midget 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 1970 MG Midget. 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 MG Midget. (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 MG Midget.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1970 MG Midget | |
| Make | Lancia | MG |
| Model | Beta | Midget |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2040 mm |
