1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 17 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 64 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1996 Volkswagen Passat, 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
