1973 Lancia Beta vs. 1989 Saab 900
To start off, 1989 Saab 900 is newer by 16 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Saab 900 (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 900 weights approximately 290 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Saab 900 (273 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Lancia Beta | 1989 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lancia | Saab |
| Model | Beta | 900 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
