1980 Buick Estate vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,931 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Estate (140 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 834 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Buick Estate 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 1980 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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, 1980 Buick Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1980 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Estate | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Buick | Lancia |
| Model | Estate | Beta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4931 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1870 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
