1981 Mazda RX-7 vs. 1982 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1981 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mazda RX-7 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1982 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 24 kg more than 1982 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1981 Mazda RX-7 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lancia Beta. 1982 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1981 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1981 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mazda RX-7 | 1982 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Mazda | Lancia |
| Model | RX-7 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
