1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1980 Volvo 244
To start off, 1980 Volvo 244 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,383 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volvo 244 (136 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volvo 244 should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 244 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Volvo 244 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 1980 Volvo 244. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 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, 1980 Volvo 244 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1980 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 244 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
