1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 310 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 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
