1999 Lancia Zeta vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1999 Lancia Zeta is newer by 20 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Lancia Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lancia Zeta (145 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 610 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 1979 Lancia Beta 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1999 Lancia Zeta (235 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1999 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lancia Zeta | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Zeta | Beta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2360 mm |
