1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1983 Nissan Prairie
To start off, 1983 Nissan Prairie is newer by 4 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1983 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1983 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 61 kg more than 1983 Nissan Prairie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Nissan Prairie. (122 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Nissan Prairie.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1983 Nissan Prairie | |
| Make | Lancia | Nissan |
| Model | Beta | Prairie |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2520 mm |
