1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1955 Rover P4
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1955 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1955 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Rover P4 weights approximately 364 kg more than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Because 1955 Rover P4 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 1955 Rover P4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1955 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1955 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1955 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Lancia | Rover |
| Model | Beta | P4 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 45 L |
