1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1984 Volvo 360
To start off, 1984 Volvo 360 is newer by 5 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volvo 360 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volvo 360 (101 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volvo 360 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volvo 360 weights approximately 39 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 1984 Volvo 360 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 1984 Volvo 360. 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, 1984 Volvo 360 (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1984 Volvo 360 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1984 Volvo 360 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 360 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1039 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 57 L |
