1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 140 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 31 L |
