1981 Pontiac Grand Safari vs. 1979 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1979 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1979 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 764 kg more than 1979 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 Pontiac Grand Safari. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Grand Safari | 1979 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Lancia |
| Model | Grand Safari | Beta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5450 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2480 mm |
