1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1983 Porsche 959
To start off, 1983 Porsche 959 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 363 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Porsche 959 weights approximately 450 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 1983 Porsche 959 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 1983 Porsche 959. 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, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1983 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Lancia | Porsche |
| Model | Beta | 959 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2280 mm |
