1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1978 Opel Kadett
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Kadett 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 69 more horse power than 1978 Opel Kadett. (47 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 228 kg more than 1978 Opel Kadett. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Kadett. (71 Nm). This means 1981 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1978 Opel Kadett | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Beta | Kadett |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1048 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 43 L |
