1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Santana is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Lancia Beta (119 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 15 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Santana |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
