1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1975 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Opel Ascona (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Opel Ascona weights approximately 2 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 1975 Opel Ascona 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 1975 Opel Ascona. 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, 1975 Opel Ascona (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1975 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1975 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Beta | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 50 L |
