1988 Lada Samara vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara is newer by 10 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 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Samara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 Lada Samara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1988 Lada Samara (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Samara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lada | Lancia |
| Model | Samara | Beta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2360 mm |
