1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 225 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 1978 Toyota Starlet. 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 (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
