2001 Acura CL vs. 1979 Lancia Beta

To start off, 2001 Acura CL is newer by 22 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura CL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura CL weights approximately 540 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, 2001 Acura CL, 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, 2001 Acura CL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2001 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2001 Acura CL 1979 Lancia Beta
Make Acura Lancia
Model CL Beta
Year Released 2001 1979
Body Type Coupe Coupe
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 3210 cc 1994 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 225 HP 118 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 294 Nm 171 Nm
Torque RPM 4700 RPM 3400 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.8:1 9.4:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1580 kg 1040 kg
Vehicle Length 4880 mm 3820 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1710 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1200 mm
Wheelbase Size 2750 mm 2360 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 65 L 59 L