2003 Ariel Atom vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Ariel Atom is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Ariel Atom. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 2003 Ariel Atom. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Beta weights approximately 598 kg more than 2003 Ariel Atom. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ariel Atom. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ariel Atom.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ariel Atom | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Ariel | Lancia |
| Model | Atom | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 1 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 462 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2360 mm |
