1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 295 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Because 1996 Lotus Elise 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 1996 Lotus Elise. 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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lancia Beta | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Lancia | Lotus |
Model | Beta | Elise |
Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 81 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 108 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 705 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 40 L |