2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Beta. (101 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 103 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta. 1980 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Mazda | Lancia |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Beta |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1139 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 59 L |
