1997 Citroen Xsara vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xsara 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 1,749 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (57 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 33 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta.
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, 1978 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1997 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 1997 Citroen Xsara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen Xsara | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | Xsara | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1749 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1071 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
