1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1989 Volvo 440
To start off, 1989 Volvo 440 is newer by 8 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 440 (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volvo 440 weights approximately 60 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1989 Volvo 440 (175 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1989 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Lancia | Volvo |
| Model | Beta | 440 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 60 L |
