1996 Honda NSX vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1996 Honda NSX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda NSX weights approximately 330 kg more than 1979 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, 1996 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda NSX | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Honda | Lancia |
| Model | NSX | Beta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
