1976 Lancia Beta vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1976 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1976 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 536 kg more than 1976 Lancia Beta. 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Lancia Beta. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Lancia Beta. 2003 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1976 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1976 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Lancia Beta | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 62 L |
