1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Opel Astra
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 30 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), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 585 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, 2009 Opel Astra, 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, 2009 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2009 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Beta | Astra |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| 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 | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 52 L |
