1977 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Beta weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1977 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1977 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
