2005 Bentley Continental vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2005 Bentley Continental is newer by 27 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 6,750 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Bentley Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Bentley Continental (401 HP @ 2150 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Bentley Continental should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Bentley Continental weights approximately 1416 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 2005 Bentley Continental 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 2005 Bentley Continental. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2005 Bentley Continental (835 Nm @ 2150 RPM) has 701 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Bentley Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 2005 Bentley Continental 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. 2005 Bentley Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Bentley Continental | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Bentley | Lancia |
| Model | Continental | Beta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6750 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2150 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 835 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.1 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2454 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 18.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 59 L |
