1979 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Opel Kadett. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 66 kg more than 1979 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Kadett. (126 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Kadett. 1981 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1979 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1979 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Opel Kadett | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Opel | Lancia |
| Model | Kadett | Beta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 59 L |
