1981 Lancia Beta vs. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 28 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (156 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt weights approximately 420 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, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Lancia | Chevrolet |
| Model | Beta | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 49 L |
