1991 Alfa Romeo SZ vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is newer by 13 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ weights approximately 192 kg more than 1978 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, 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ (245 Nm) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alfa Romeo SZ | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | SZ | Beta |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1068 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
