2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 749 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata (230 Nm) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm). This means 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Mazda | Lancia |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Beta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2480 mm |
