1997 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 19 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (139 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 347 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 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lancia |
| Model | Spider | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
