2003 Chrysler 300 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Chrysler 300 is newer by 24 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 2,734 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Chrysler 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chrysler 300 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chrysler 300 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, 2003 Chrysler 300, 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, 2003 Chrysler 300 (255 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2003 Chrysler 300 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. 2003 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chrysler 300 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Chrysler | Lancia |
| Model | 300 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2734 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2360 mm |
