1972 Volvo P 1800 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo P 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo P 1800 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Volvo P 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1972 Volvo P 1800. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo P 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo P 1800 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 1972 Volvo P 1800 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 1972 Volvo P 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1972 Volvo P 1800 (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo P 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Volvo P 1800 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Volvo | Lancia |
| Model | P 1800 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2480 mm |
