1998 Ferrari F355 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1998 Ferrari F355 is newer by 19 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 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 350 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.
Because 1998 Ferrari F355 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 1998 Ferrari F355. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1998 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari F355 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lancia |
| Model | F355 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 49 L |
