1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lotus Elite 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 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elite |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 67 L |
