1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1972 Volvo 164
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Volvo 164 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Volvo 164 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1978 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Volvo 164 (241 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (165 Nm). This means 1972 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1972 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 164 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
