1998 Jensen SV-8 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1998 Jensen SV-8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jensen SV-8 weights approximately 264 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Jensen SV-8 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 Jensen SV-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Jensen SV-8 (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Jensen SV-8 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Jensen | Lancia |
| Model | SV-8 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.9 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 59 L |
