1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1979 ZIL 4104
To start off, 1981 Lancia Beta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 ZIL 4104. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 ZIL 4104 would be higher. At 7,695 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 ZIL 4104 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 ZIL 4104 (311 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 ZIL 4104 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 ZIL 4104 weights approximately 2335 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 1979 ZIL 4104 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 1979 ZIL 4104. 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, 1979 ZIL 4104 (608 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 500 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1979 ZIL 4104 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta. 1979 ZIL 4104 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1981 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 ZIL 4104 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1979 ZIL 4104 | |
| Make | Lancia | ZIL |
| Model | Beta | 4104 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 7695 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 608 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 108 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 105 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 3335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 3340 mm |
