1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Opel Speedster
To start off, 1998 Opel Speedster 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Speedster (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lancia Beta weights approximately 35 kg more than 1998 Opel Speedster.
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, 1998 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1998 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Beta | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2340 mm |
