2006 Citroen C3 vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2006 Citroen C3 is newer by 28 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Citroen C3 weights approximately 102 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2006 Citroen C3 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2006 Citroen C3 has manual transmission. 2006 Citroen C3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Citroen C3 | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | C3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
