1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 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), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 139 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 1990 Lotus Esprit 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 1990 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 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 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | Lancia | Lotus |
Model | Beta | Esprit |
Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 172 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 134 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1175 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1160 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2440 mm |