1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 526 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 1991 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Caterham | Lancia |
Model | Super 7 | Beta |
Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1585 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 84 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 71.5 mm |
Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1036 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 59 L |