1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1980 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 1980 Vauxhall Chevette is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 183 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Vauxhall Chevette 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 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette. (92 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1978 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1980 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Lancia | Vauxhall |
| Model | Beta | Chevette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
