1982 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Datsun 260Z
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Datsun 260Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Datsun 260Z would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Datsun 260Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Datsun 260Z (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1982 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Datsun 260Z should accelerate faster than 1982 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Datsun 260Z weights approximately 152 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1978 Datsun 260Z (213 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Datsun 260Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lancia Beta | 1978 Datsun 260Z | |
| Make | Lancia | Datsun |
| Model | Beta | 260Z |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2581 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
