1983 Lancia Beta vs. 2004 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lancia Beta weights approximately 252 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Because 2004 Lotus Elise 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 2004 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2004 Lotus Elise (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 2004 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
