1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 225 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 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (220 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Golf |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
