1980 Lancia Beta vs. 1965 Peugeot 204
To start off, 1980 Lancia Beta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Peugeot 204. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Peugeot 204 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lancia Beta (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1965 Peugeot 204. (54 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1965 Peugeot 204. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Lancia Beta weights approximately 124 kg more than 1965 Peugeot 204. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Lancia Beta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Peugeot 204, 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 Lancia Beta (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Peugeot 204. (89 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Peugeot 204.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lancia Beta | 1965 Peugeot 204 | |
| Make | Lancia | Peugeot |
| Model | Beta | 204 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 936 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 50 L |
