2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 106 kg more than 2005 Lotus Exige.
Because 2005 Lotus Exige 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 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta. 1975 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lotus | Lancia |
| Model | Exige | Beta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |
