1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 19 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 300 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 front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (285 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 55 L |
