1979 Datsun 280 vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, both 1979 Datsun 280 and 1979 Lancia Beta were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Datsun 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun 280 (140 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun 280 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Datsun 280 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1979 Datsun 280 (202 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun 280 | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Datsun | Lancia |
| Model | 280 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2753 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 202 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |
