1981 Vauxhall Chevette vs. 1983 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lancia Beta weights approximately 181 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Lancia Beta (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 1983 Lancia Beta has automatic transmission and 1981 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | 1983 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Vauxhall | Lancia |
| Model | Chevette | Beta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1256 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 59 L |
