1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (127 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1974 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1974 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 80 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf (168 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1985 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
