1984 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1984 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 130 kg more than 1984 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Beta | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
