1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1954 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lancia Beta (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 308 kg more than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 (165 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1954 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beta | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2410 mm |
