1979 Lancia Beta vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 34 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 377 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (171 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lancia Beta | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2000 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 | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1417 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
