1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Lancia Kappa
To start off, 1998 Lancia Kappa is newer by 19 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 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Lancia Kappa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lancia Kappa (201 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 475 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa, 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, 1998 Lancia Kappa (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1998 Lancia Kappa | |
| Make | Lancia | Lancia |
| Model | Beta | Kappa |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2959 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
