1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1974 Volvo 164
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volvo 164 (142 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volvo 164 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 164 weights approximately 360 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 1974 Volvo 164 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 1974 Volvo 164. 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, 1974 Volvo 164 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1974 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1974 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 164 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 58 L |
