1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 10 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 2,473 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 130 kg more than 1974 Lancia Beta.
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, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass (179 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Lancia | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Beta | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2640 mm |
