1988 Buick Electra vs. 1974 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1988 Buick Electra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Electra (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Electra weights approximately 535 kg more than 1974 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 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 1974 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, 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, 1988 Buick Electra (285 Nm) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1988 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 1974 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Buick | Lancia |
| Model | Electra | Beta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2340 mm |
