2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 84 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise 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 2009 Lotus Elise. 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1978 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise 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:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lotus | Lancia |
| Model | Elise | Beta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1038 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 59 L |
