1974 Citroen GS vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Citroen GS. (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1974 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Beta weights approximately 94 kg more than 1974 Citroen GS. 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, 1980 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Citroen GS. (87 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1980 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Citroen GS. 1974 Citroen GS has automatic transmission and 1980 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1980 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Citroen GS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Citroen | Lancia |
| Model | GS | Beta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.6 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 148 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 59 L |
