1984 Lancia Beta vs. 1962 Toyota Publica
To start off, 1984 Lancia Beta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lancia Beta (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1962 Toyota Publica. (29 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1962 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Beta weights approximately 456 kg more than 1962 Toyota Publica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Toyota Publica 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 1962 Toyota Publica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Toyota Publica. (54 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1984 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Beta | 1962 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Lancia | Toyota |
| Model | Beta | Publica |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 75 L |
