1978 Volkswagen Iltis vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Iltis would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis weights approximately 264 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis 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, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis (136 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Iltis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Iltis has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Volkswagen Iltis | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Lancia |
| Model | Iltis | Beta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 100 HP |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2480 mm |
