1974 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 24 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 44 more horse power than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lancia Beta weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo, 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volkswagen Polo. (135 Nm). This means 1974 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lancia Beta | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Polo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2410 mm |
