1997 Honda S-MX vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Honda S-MX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda S-MX (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda S-MX should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda S-MX weights approximately 270 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda S-MX will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda S-MX (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda S-MX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda S-MX | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Honda | Lancia |
| Model | S-MX | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2360 mm |
