1979 Lancia Beta vs. 1998 Peugeot 605
To start off, 1998 Peugeot 605 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Peugeot 605 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Peugeot 605 (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Peugeot 605 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Peugeot 605 weights approximately 400 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 Peugeot 605, 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 Peugeot 605 (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Peugeot 605 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 1998 Peugeot 605 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. 1998 Peugeot 605 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 1998 Peugeot 605 | |
| Make | Lancia | Peugeot |
| Model | Beta | 605 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2810 mm |
