1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,250 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 405 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.
Because 1971 Plymouth Barracuda is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1971 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Lancia | Plymouth |
| Model | Beta | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3250 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2760 mm |
