1979 GMC Suburban vs. 1978 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1979 GMC Suburban is newer by 1 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1232 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 1979 GMC Suburban 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, 1979 GMC Suburban 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 1978 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | GMC | Lancia |
| Model | Suburban | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2232 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2360 mm |
