2003 Bentley Continental GT vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Bentley Continental GT is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 5,998 cc, 2003 Bentley Continental GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Bentley Continental GT (552 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 471 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Bentley Continental GT should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Bentley Continental GT weights approximately 1385 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Bentley Continental GT is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Bentley Continental GT will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Bentley Continental GT (651 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 543 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Bentley Continental GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2003 Bentley Continental GT has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Bentley Continental GT will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Bentley Continental GT | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Bentley | Lancia |
| Model | Continental GT | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Type | W | in-line |
| Horse Power | 552 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 651 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2385 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 49 L |
