1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1981 Volvo 343
To start off, both 1981 Lancia Beta and 1981 Volvo 343 were released in the same year (1981). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volvo 343 (117 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Because 1981 Volvo 343 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 1981 Volvo 343. 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, 1981 Volvo 343 (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1981 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 343 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
