1977 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1981 Volvo 240 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Volvo 240 (168 Nm) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 240 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2660 mm |
