1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 350 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 Passat 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 Passat 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 Passat (282 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Passat |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 282 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 70 L |
