1981 Lancia Beta vs. 1996 Opel Frontera
To start off, 1996 Opel Frontera is newer by 15 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 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Frontera (115 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Frontera weights approximately 884 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 1996 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lancia Beta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Opel Frontera (260 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1996 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | Lancia | Opel |
| Model | Beta | Frontera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
