1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1989 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1989 Opel Kadett is newer by 10 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 37 more horse power than 1989 Opel Kadett. (81 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1989 Opel Kadett.
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, 1989 Opel Kadett, 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 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Opel Kadett. (132 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1989 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Beta | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1390 mm |
