2009 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 30 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Sonata (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 498 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 1979 Lancia Beta 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Hyundai Sonata. (168 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Hyundai Sonata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Hyundai Sonata | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lancia |
| Model | Sonata | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.2 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1538 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
