1975 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 216 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Golf. (119 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Volkswagen Golf | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lancia |
| Model | Golf | Beta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3830 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
