1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1989 Porsche 944
To start off, 1989 Porsche 944 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 2,477 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Porsche 944 (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Porsche 944 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Porsche 944 weights approximately 220 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1989 Porsche 944 (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1989 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1989 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Lancia | Porsche |
| Model | Beta | 944 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 66 L |
