1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 8 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 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 230 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 1989 Mazda RX-7 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 1989 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lancia Beta | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
Make | Lancia | Mazda |
Model | Beta | RX-7 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1367 cc | 2616 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 82 HP | 149 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 112 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1230 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4320 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1270 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2440 mm |