1981 Lancia Beta vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2002 Nissan Altima is newer by 21 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Nissan Altima weights approximately 290 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 front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2002 Nissan Altima (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 2002 Nissan Altima has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Nissan Altima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Altima |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 73 L |
