1971 Austin 1800 vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1971 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 1800 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Austin 1800, 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, 1983 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 1800 | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Austin | Lancia |
| Model | 1800 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 59 L |
