1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante vs. 1973 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 5,340 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1973 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1973 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 824 kg more than 1973 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Lancia Beta. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Aston Martin V8 Volante | 1973 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Lancia |
| Model | V8 Volante | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5340 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 97 L | 51 L |
