2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 25 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1975 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Mazda | Lancia |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Beta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
