1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 245 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Lancia Beta 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 1979 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1979 Lancia Beta (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
