1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1979 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (265 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 1075 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 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado, 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, 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado (518 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1978 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Lancia | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Beta | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 7446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 518 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 104.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 108 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 5620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 91 L |
