1990 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1976 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,957 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 224 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ 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 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 1976 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ has manual transmission. 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1976 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | SZ | Beta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2957 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
