1982 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1982 Lancia Beta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Lancia Beta weights approximately 10 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Lancia Beta 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 1982 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1982 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1982 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Lancia Beta | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Beta | Beta |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 59 L |
