1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1999 Audi S3
To start off, 1999 Audi S3 is newer by 21 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Audi S3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Audi S3 (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Audi S3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Audi S3 weights approximately 492 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 1999 Audi S3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Audi S3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Audi S3 (270 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Audi S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1999 Audi S3 | |
| Make | Lancia | Audi |
| Model | Beta | S3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 42 L |
