1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 230 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Lancia Beta 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 1974 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1974 Lancia Beta (165 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm). This means 1974 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
