1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1980 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Beta weights approximately 60 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 1980 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 1980 Lancia Beta. 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, 1980 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1980 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1980 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Beta | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 59 L |
