1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 22 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, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle (180 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 273 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, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2001 Volkswagen Beetle (235 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Lancia Beta | 2001 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
Model | Beta | Beetle |
Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 180 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 171 Nm | 235 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1950 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 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1313 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4100 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |