1981 Lancia Beta vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 30 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 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (150 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 509 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 2011 Lexus IS 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 2011 Lexus IS. 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, 2011 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Lancia | Lexus |
| Model | Beta | IS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
