2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 389 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 2003 Mazda RX-8 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 2003 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1979 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
Make | Mazda | Lancia |
Model | RX-8 | Beta |
Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1584 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 211 Nm | 134 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1036 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |