1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1986 Volvo 740
To start off, 1986 Volvo 740 is newer by 8 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volvo 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Volvo 740 (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Volvo 740 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volvo 740 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.
Because 1986 Volvo 740 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 1986 Volvo 740. 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, 1986 Volvo 740 (239 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Volvo 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1986 Volvo 740 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 740 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2780 mm |
