1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1980 Lancia Delta
To start off, 1980 Lancia Delta 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Lancia Delta. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1980 Lancia Delta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 65 kg more than 1980 Lancia Delta. 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, 1980 Lancia Delta, 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 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Delta. (136 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Delta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1980 Lancia Delta | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Beta | Delta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 59 L |
