1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette is newer by 18 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 745 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 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, 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette has automatic transmission and 1979 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1979 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | Lancia | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Beta | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2850 mm |
