1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 15 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 1,763 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 97 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 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
