2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 25 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 500 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | 7 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2360 mm |
